We condemn in the strongest possible terms the suicide bombings in Tikrit, which claimed the lives of more than 30 people.

The city, which was liberated from the IS terrorists in spring 2015, is a symbol of successful stabilisation policy. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Iraqi Government in cooperation with international partners, it has been possible to create the conditions to enable many internally displaced persons to return to Tikrit.

It is especially important in the face of such heinous acts of terrorism to assure people in Iraq and the Iraqi Government that we stand firmly by their side in the struggle to free their country and will continue to do everything in our power to give all Iraqis hope of a peaceful future for their country. The terrorists will not achieve their callous objective.