Cyprus condemns recent attacks in Iraq

=Cyprus has strongly and unequivocally denounced the recent attacks in Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other terrorist groups, which have reportedly taken control of a number of Iraqi cities, reiterating the critical importance of preserving the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides sent on Thursday a letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, asking for the immediate reaction of the EU and that this issue is included in the agenda of the next EU External Relations Council meeting, after consultations with other interested countries and the EU take place.

A press release issued by the Foreign Ministry said that "the rapidly unfolding events pose a very serious threat to the stability of Iraq and the wider region and highlight the dangerous repercussions of a major spill-over from the Syrian crisis."

Furthermore it expressed Cyprus` readiness "to assist efforts by the international community to help the Iraqi people confront this very serious challenge."

"We express our solidarity and grave concern for the plight of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have fled their homes seeking refuge in other areas of the country and offer our condolences to the families of the victims," the press release concluded.