EU 'Strongly Condemns' Deadly Attacks in Iraq

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton "strongly" condemned Thursday's attacks in Baghdad that left 57 dead and urged Iraqi leaders to engage in dialogue immediately to address their differences.

Ashton "strongly condemns the latest wave of violent attacks in Iraq," a statement from her office said.

"She deplores loss of life caused by terrorists exploiting a fragile political situation," it added.

Ashton urged all political groups to engage in an inclusive dialogue as "ensuring that the government in Iraq is both effective and inclusive is the best way to defy the continuing violence."

The apparently coordinated bombings were the first major sign of violence in a row that has threatened Iraq's fragile political truce and heightened sectarian tensions just days after U.S. forces completed their withdrawal.

Parliament called an urgent meeting of political leaders for Friday, the Muslim day of prayer and rest. The U.N. special envoy to Baghdad Martin Kobler denounced the "horrendous" attacks, and said Iraq's leaders must "act swiftly, responsibly and in unity".