Related Event: Iraq in Transition

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said overnight he was extremely concerned by growing violence in Iraq, saying no cause can justify such "acts of terror."

Annan said he was "appalled" by the latest series of bombings that killed more than 90 people and wounded many more, including many women and children, in the central town of Balad.

The UN chief believed that those who refuse to participate in the political process should not, by acts of intimidation and violence, deprive others of their right to do so.

He also called on Iraqis of all persuasions not to be deterred by such violence and to express themselves peacefully through the democratic process, starting with the forthcoming national referendum on the draft permanent constitution.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said in Washington Iraqi security forces are getting better and more experienced.

General George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, also said Iraqi security forces are progressing and continue to take on a more prominent role defending their country with coalition forces.

(Source: Agencies)