Billström made a written statement regarding the groups affiliated with the Sadr Movement, led by the Shiite religious and political leader Muqtada es-Sadr, entering the Swedish Embassy building and setting some parts of it on fire.
Pointing out that a similar incident took place less than a month ago, Billström said, “What happened is unacceptable and the Swedish government condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms.”
Emphasizing that the Iraqi authorities have the obligation to protect the diplomatic mission and diplomatic personnel on their territory in accordance with the Vienna Agreement, Billström commented, “It seems that the Iraqi authorities could not fulfill these obligations.”
Iraq’s Charge d’Affaires in Stockholm summoned to the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Noting that the Swedish government is in contact with high-level Iraqi representatives to express its discomfort, Billström shared the information that “The Iraqi Charge d’Affaires in Stockholm was summoned to the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs”.
Noting that the Embassy personnel were evacuated to a safe place, Billström said, “The Swedish government is currently reviewing other steps to be taken.”
What happened?
The supporters of the Sadr Movement in Baghdad raided the Swedish Embassy late at night against the expected action against the Qur’an, set fire to some parts of the building.
While the Iraqi government condemned the burning of the Swedish Embassy in its country, it stated that it would cut relations with Sweden if the actions against the Quran continued.
In Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, Salwan Momika, of Iraqi origin, burned the Quran under police protection in front of the Stockholm Mosque on the first day of Eid al-Adha.