Baghdad: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep concern over the ongoing security developments in Syria. The ministry said in a statement that it is following with great concern the ongoing security developments in Syria and their serious repercussions on security and stability in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry affirmed Iraq’s firm position calling for the necessity of protecting civilians and sparing them the scourge of conflict, stressing “the importance of self-restraint from all parties, and giving priority to the language of dialogue and adopting peaceful solutions instead of military escalation.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its absolute rejection of targeting innocent civilians, warning that “the continuation of violence will exacerbate the crisis and deepen the state of instability in the region, which hinders efforts to restore security and peace.”