Iraq is at ‘crossroads’ warns Annan, as reports say 100 civilians are killed every day

11 September 2006 – Iraqi society today stands at a critical juncture, says United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, warning that with Government figures showing an average of 100 civilians killed everyday and over 14,000 wounded each month, the State runs the risk of a breakdown into civil war.

“The Iraqi people and their leaders have arrived at an important crossroads: if they are able to build firm foundations for the common interest of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity will be within reach,” Mr. Annan says in his latest report to the Security Council, which was released today.

“However, if current patterns of discord and violence prevail for much longer, there is a grave danger of a breakdown of the Iraqi State, and potentially of civil war, which would be detrimental not only to the Iraqi people, but also to countries in the region and the international community in general.”

Read the rest at the UN News Center

Related Link (PDF):
Secretary-General's Report on Iraq (PDF File)