Desecration of mosque in Iraq condemnable: PM

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) India today condemned the desecration of the Al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra (Iraq), with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh describing it as a ''shameful'' act.

''The news of the bombing of the holy Al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra has caused great shock and grief in India. The Prime Minister has condemned this shameful and senseless act of desecration of a place of worship revered by millions, including a number of our countrymen,'' Dr Sanjaya Baru, Media Advisor to the PM, said in a statement.

India hopes that the leaders of Iraq will not let such heinous acts come in the way of building a unified peaceful, stable and prosperous Iraq through dialogue and mutual respect, Dr Singh said.

''India stands committed to assist in this process of building peace and stability in Iraq and in the reconstruction of the country,'' he said.

UNI SN VD HS2011