Iraqi PM meets UN envoy over deadly bombings in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Nov. 2 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Malikion Monday met the UN special envoy who started a probe over two deadly bombings that struck government buildings in central Baghdad, Maliki's office said.

Maliki told UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco that neighboring countries interfere in Iraq's affairs, accusing them of "targeting the political process," according to a statement issued by Maliki's office.

"They want Baath party to return to rule the country, therefore, we have no way else but to ask the UN interference," Maliki said.

"The terrorism needs an international stance and we ask the United Nations to help us in stalling the regional interference inour affairs and in halting the terrorist operations which target the innocent Iraqi people," Maliki said.

On his part, Fernandez-Taranco expressed sorrow over the recent Baghdad bombings, condemned the terrorist actions and voiced support for the government and Iraqi people.

Meanwhile, Iraq's government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told reporters that the senior UN official has an opportunity to listen to what the Iraqi government and judiciary sides offer over Baghdad bombings.

Dabbagh said "the Iraqi government welcomes Mr. (Fernandez-) Taranco and it will present the help to him to accomplish his mission."

Fernandez-Taranco arrived in Baghdad on Sunday to start a preliminary probe following intense efforts by the Iraqi government for an independent probe into the two bloody attacks in Baghdad.

On Oct. 25, two massive attacks damaged the buildings of the ministry of Justice and Baghdad Provincial Council, killing over 150 people and wounding more than 450 people.

On Aug. 19, two truck bombs detonated near the Iraqi ministries of finance and foreign affairs respectively, killing and wounding some 1,300 Iraqis.

The powerful attacks revealed the security situation facing the country that insurgents still have the ability to carry out deadly attacks in the heart of Baghdad.