LOC16:40
13:40 GMT
PARIS, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- France, which holds the rotating Presidency of the
European Union, on Friday "firmly condemned" the massive bomb explosion in
Kirkuk Thursday, which killed at least 50 people and wounded 100 others.
"This bombing hits a city where political balance is crucial for the
stability of Iraq," a statement from the EU Presidency remarked.
The EU said that "it once again exhorts all Iraqis to unite in rejecting
violence, in consolidating the progress made in security matters, and in
settling differences in a peaceful manner through institutional means."
France has welcomed the improvement in Iraqs internal security situation
but sporadic violence has again been witnessed in a number of cities,
including the capital, Baghdad, in recent weeks. (end)
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KUNA 121640 Dec 08NNNN