By TN Ashok / Diplomatic Editor
New Delhi, June 16, 2014: India is deeply concerned with the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, following the recent attacks by terrorist rebels and their taking over of cities Mosul and Tikrit since June 08 this year.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the terrorist attacks as a direct threat to the security and territorial integrity of Iraq. The Government of India strongly condemns such attacks and firmly stands by the Government and the people of Iraq in their fight against international terrorism and in their efforts to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the friendly country of Iraq.
An MEA statement said that India remains strongly committed to the emergence of a stable, peaceful, united and democratic Iraq, which is in the interest of regional and global peace and security.
The safety and security of the Indian nationals currently in Iraq remains a matter of serious concern for the Government of India. An advisory has been issued on 15 June, 2014 giving the details of a 24 hour helpline set up by the Indian Embassy in Baghdad for assistance of Indian nationals there, the statement said.