IRNA � Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Mahjoob expressed severe regret over attack on Iran�s consulate in Basra.


In a statement on Friday, he added that such measures run counter to the principle of hosting foreign missions.

Attacks on foreign representative offices are unacceptable and against Iraq�s national interests, as it mars its ties with other countries, he said.

Such acts have nothing to do with poor services, he said, calling for refraining from such moves.

Mahjoob also urged the central government in Baghdad to boost protection of foreign missions in Basra.

Angry protesters have stormed the Iranian consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, setting a fire inside as part of ongoing demonstrations against lack of services and jobs that have turned deadly in recent days.

Demonstrators on Friday attacked the building, which is located in the southern part of Basra, prompting security forces to open fire to quell the protests.

Iran�s Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi denounced the brutal attack on Iran�s consulate general in Basra and called for punishment of the perpetrators of the incident.

Recalling the great responsibility of the Iraq government for protecting diplomatic sites, he warned about hidden elements seeking to mar the two nations� relations.