UN says over 34,000 Iraqi civilians killed in 2006

BAGHDAD, Jan 16 (Reuters) The United Nations said more than 34,000 Iraqi civilians were killed in violence last year, although the number decreased slightly in the last two months compared to September and October.

The U N human rights chief in Iraq, Gianni Magazzeni, told a news conference that 34,452 civilians were killed and more than 36,000 wounded in 2006.

He accused the government of failing to provide security and blamed some of the violence on militias colluding with or working inside the police and army.

The figures are much higher than any statistics issued by Iraqi government officials. The government itself branded the United Nations' last two-monthly report in November grossly exaggerated and banned Iraqi officials from releasing data.

No comparable data for 2005 were immediately available but Iraqi and U N officials, along with evidence collected by reporters, indicate that sectarian bloodshed has risen dramatically in the past year, especially in Baghdad.

''During 2006, 34,452 civilians have been violently killed,'' Magazzeni said.

REUTERS SP BS1525