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12/04/2007
Explosion at Iraqi parliament
An explosion in a cafeteria at the Iraqi parliament has reportedly killed at least eight people - including two MPs - and dozens more.
The parliament building, which also houses the British consulate, is located in Baghdad's heavily fortified green zone.
According to reports, police believe a suicide bomber may have caused the explosion, but they are continuing to keep an open mind about the cause.
MP Mohammed Awad, a member of the Sunni National Dialogue bloc, was killed in the blast, the party's leader confirmed.
Another MP, believed to be a Shia, was also killed.
Commenting on the attack, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this appalling attack on the democratically elected members of the Iraqi Parliament going about their day-to-day business. My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured in this terrible act.
"Nothing could highlight more the twisted minds of those who are seeking to disrupt the democratic process in Iraq. Those who carry out these outrageous attacks offer nothing to the Iraqi people except more murder and destruction.
"The Iraqi people have shown great fortitude and courage - they deserve our full and continued support."
Earlier, a truck bomb exploded on the Sarafiya bridge in northern Baghdad, destroying most of the steel structure and sending several cars plunging into the River Tigris. At least eight people are thought to have been killed.
(KMcA/JM)
The parliament building, which also houses the British consulate, is located in Baghdad's heavily fortified green zone.
According to reports, police believe a suicide bomber may have caused the explosion, but they are continuing to keep an open mind about the cause.
MP Mohammed Awad, a member of the Sunni National Dialogue bloc, was killed in the blast, the party's leader confirmed.
Another MP, believed to be a Shia, was also killed.
Commenting on the attack, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this appalling attack on the democratically elected members of the Iraqi Parliament going about their day-to-day business. My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured in this terrible act.
"Nothing could highlight more the twisted minds of those who are seeking to disrupt the democratic process in Iraq. Those who carry out these outrageous attacks offer nothing to the Iraqi people except more murder and destruction.
"The Iraqi people have shown great fortitude and courage - they deserve our full and continued support."
Earlier, a truck bomb exploded on the Sarafiya bridge in northern Baghdad, destroying most of the steel structure and sending several cars plunging into the River Tigris. At least eight people are thought to have been killed.
(KMcA/JM)
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