The White House has condemned the murder of Egypt's top diplomat in Iraq, vowing to bring to justice those responsible for the killing.
In a statement, the White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the assassination of Ihab al Sherif was part of an "evil agenda" by terrorists, who he said are fighting against all men and women of peace. The United Nations Security Council also condemned the killing, as well as attacks this week on diplomats from Bahrain and Pakistan in Iraq. Meantime, Egypt says it will reduce the size of its mission in Baghdad in an effort to protect staff members. Iraq's foreign ministry is asking neighboring countries to reject intimidation by terrorists and open diplomatic missions in Baghdad.