Ban also appealed to all regional leaders to work to avoid the exacerbation of sectarian tensions, voicing deep dismay over the recent executions by Saudi Arabia of 47 people, including the Sheikh.

“I urge all Iraqis, all Iraqi political forces and representatives and the media to demonstrate their commitment to the unity and solidarity of Iraq and its people and to show restraint including in their statements,” the UN envoy further added, calling on the Iraqi authorities and the Security Forces to prevent and counter attempts to incite violence and divisions.

Photo: UNICEF/Giacomo Pirozzi (file)