U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan condemned the «heinous» violence in Iraq on Friday and called on Iraqis to heed appeals for calm by their religious and political leaders, AP reported. Annan «condemns these heinous acts in the strongest possible terms,» according to a statement released by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric. Annan «urges the Iraqi people to heed the calls by political and religious leaders from all sides for calm and restraint to prevent an escalation of the situation,» it said. Annan also called on Iraqis «to engage in a genuine national dialogue that addresses the needs and aspirations of all,» the statement said.
