EU foreign affairs chief condemns Baghdad attacks

(BRUSSELS) - EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton Sunday condemned the suicide attacks on the embassies of European and Middle Eastern countries in Baghdad and urged restraint in the face of violence.

"The European Union strongly condemns the car bomb attacks in Baghdad that have left at least 30 dead and more than 200 injured," said Ashton's spokesman in a statement.

"These attacks contradict our common goal of a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Iraq," the spokesman added.

The statement noted the high turnout for the country's March 7 elections as demonstrating the Iraqi people's commitment to democracy.

"Against the backdrop of violent extremism, it is extremely important that Iraqi political parties and leaders urge restraint and continue to strengthen Iraq's democratic institutions," it said.

"No terrorist attack should prevent Iraqis from achieving their fundamental right of a peaceful and normal life."

Two of the Baghdad blasts were suicide attacks against the Egyptian and Iranian embassies, while a third struck an intersection near the German, Spanish and Syrian missions.

The attacks came as Iraqi political parties negotiate to form a government, nearly a month after the election left four main blocs each without sufficient seats to form a parliamentary majority on its own.