Friday, February 24 2006 20:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Feb 24 2006) condemned "shameful and senseless" act of desecration of the Shia shrine revered by millions in Samarra in Iraq.

"India hopes that the leaders of Iraq will not let such heinous acts come in the way of building a unified peaceful, stable and prosperous Iraq through dialogue and mutual respect", PM's Media Adviser Sanjaya Baru quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

India stood committed to assist in the process of building peace and stability in Iraq and in the reconstruction of the country, Singh said.

The news of the bombing of the holy Al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra has caused great shock and grief in India, he added.