Speaking from New York, where he has been briefing the Security Council and the Secretary-General on the situation in Iraq, and UNAMI activities on several issues, the SRSG stated "we have long been aware that certain groups whose aim is to kill innocent civilians would try to take advantage of an impending change in security arrangements in Iraq.  Their aim is to provoke a violent response between communities, hoping for a return to the dark days of 2006.  Nothing can excuse this deliberate attempt to kill large numbers of men, women, students and children.  Our appeal to everyone in Iraq, from all communities, is not to fall into the killers\' trap and to avoid responding to this provocation in the way that they desperately want - with sectarian hatred and violence."

Mr. de Mistura extends the United Nations sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the full and speedy recovery of the wounded.