UN chief concerned over violence in Iraq

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday expressed his deep concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Iraq.

"I am deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Iraq, including the reports of mass summary executions by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)," Xinhua quoted Ban Ki-moon telling in a press conference here.

The UN chief warned the real risk of further sectarian violence on a massive scale, within Iraq and beyond its borders.

Meanwhile, he urged all Iraqi leaders -- political, military, religious and community -- must to ensure that their followers avoid acts of reprisal and come together in an inclusive spirit to address this serious threat to the country.

"What's important is that the Iraqi government should have one state, whether it is Sunni, Shiite or Kurds, they should be able to harmoniously live together," Ban said.

"I hope that with the strong support of regional countries and the international community in a broader sense, we will be able to help the Iraq government first of all to restore peace and stability in their country," he added.