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Saddam supporters, Al-Qaeda behind Baghdad bombings - Talabani

BAGHDAD, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani suggested that the series of bombings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Wednesday morning resulting in the death and injury of dozens, were carried out by supporters of former deceased president Saddam Hussein combined with Al-Qaeda.
"Terrorist criminals from Al-Qaeda and Saddamists carried out Wednesday a number of criminal acts which targeted civil communities and government establishments. Dozens of citizens have been wounded," read a presidential statement.
"These crimes come amidst a number of terrorist acts witnessed in recent weeks in the capital Baghdad, as well as villages and cities in Mosul, Kirkuk and Anbar. All of which have been against civilian nationals at their workplace, homes and resting grounds," he added.
Separately, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki held an urgent meeting attended by the Defence, Interior and National Security Ministers, in addition to leading Army, security and intelligence officials.
The meeting which lasted a few hours, was aimed at assessing the state of security in Baghdad following the bombings, and reviewing strategies and plans to be followed by security forces in tackling terrorist organizations, according to a government statement. (end) ahh.mhg.sd KUNA 192148 Aug 09NNNN