Khadmiyah Stampede

I mourn with all Iraqis yesterday's tragic loss of life following the stampede at a Shi'a religious festival in Baghdad.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the injured.

This horrific event is clearly linked to terrorists who have for months created a climate of fear in Iraq by deliberately targeting innocent civilians, including by launching mortar attacks shortly before the stampede.

This callous attempt to sow divisions will not succeed. The vast majority of Iraqis have demonstrated they are committed to a democratic and peaceful future, and we call on the Shi'a leadership and the Shi'a community as a whole to continue to exercise restraint, as they have had to do on many occasions.

Australia will continue to stand alongside Iraq, and I urge all Iraqis to maintain their resolve in building a democratic and prosperous nation.

Media inquiries : Ministerial 02 6277 7500 , DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555