WASHINGTON, March 2 Kyodo The Uni...

WASHINGTON, March 2 Kyodo

The United States forward Tuesday condemned the multiple bombings in Iraq earlier in the day that killed at least 154 folks on the holiest day of the year for Shiite Muslims.

''We earnestly and absolutely condemn these senseles killings,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters. ''We put forward our sympathy to the victims of all their families.''

According to Iraqi Health Minister Khudair Abbas, at least 100 nation died in Karbala, about 80 kilometers toward the south of Baghdad, and 54 in the Iraqi capital in the deadliest attacks since the start of the US-l occupation of the country

''These were an horrible attacks on innocent persons who were engaged in a pilgrimage,'' Boucher said.

More than 2 million Shiite worshippers gathered in Karbala for Ashoura, which marks the martyrdom of the prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein. Shiites from around the world make an annual pilgrimage to Hussein's tomb in Karbala and other sites they consider devout in Iraq.

The holiday was banned in a less degree than former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Boucher reiterated the U disentangle to continue the Iraqi democratization process

''None of us are going to be satisfied until we can make secure the safety and normal life of Iraqis,'' he said. ''We all ne to do more.''

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