New Delhi: India today (May 31, 2004) expressed concern at the deterioration in the security situation in Iraq which has caused the "violation of the sanctity" of the places of religious worship and monuments of great cultural significance.

"We would emphasise the imperative need to respect the religious sentiments and cultural sensitivities of the people," External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

"Government of India notes with concern the deterioration in the security situation in Iraq which has caused the violation of the sanctity of the places of religious worship and monuments of great cultural significance," he said.

Last week, the revered Imam Ali mausoleum in the holy city was damaged in a mortar attack that left seven persons dead and several wounded.