U.S. backs U.N. panel for Iraq attacks

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Washington backs appeals by the Iraqi government to have the United Nations examine potential foreign involvement in recent attacks on Baghdad.

A truck loaded with explosives hit government buildings in Baghdad on Sunday killing hundreds of people in one of the worst attacks in recent years. A similar attack occurred Aug. 19.

Iraqi officials blame Baath Party leaders exiled in Damascus for the Aug. 19 attacks. Groups affiliated with al-Qaida claimed responsibility for both attacks.

Relations between Syria and Iraq deteriorated following the Aug. 19 attacks, with Iraq calling on the United Nations to investigate the matter. Syria denied responsibility.

Iraq restated its position that the United Nations should conduct an investigation following Sunday's attacks to determine if any foreign governments were behind the latest string of bombings.

Ian Kelly, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed support for a U.N. investigation prior to the weekend attacks.

"I think that Secretary Clinton is on the record as saying that we would support the idea of the U.N. appointing a senior official to go into Iraq and look into these very serious allegations," he said.

The Voices of Iraq news agency notes Iraqi lawmakers have summoned Interior Minister Jawad al-Boulani for questioning, citing major security oversights.