One of Britain’s most senior economists has condemned political interference in Iraq, suggesting that it encouraged the terrorist attack on the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI).

Sir Claude Hankes, who acts as senior adviser to TBI amongst other roles, was visiting the bank’s headquarters when suicide bombers attacked the building, claiming the lives of three guards and wounding ten other staff.

The attack has led Hankes to question the place of international political activity in Iraq: “Continued political interference by several international powers in the due democratic process has frustrated the will of majority of the Iraqi people.

This in turn has encouraged terrorists and other malcontents who have their own malevolent and destructive motives for trying to destabilize and undermine the progress that has been made in Iraq these past few years.”

He adds: “Of course the Iraqi people will prevail. The country’s great moderate majority, the ordinary people of Iraq on whom peace and stability depend, have demonstrated this time and again, through their courage, patience, and steadfast commitment, despite singular provocation, to dialogue and the democratic way.

But they will succeed faster and more fully in restoring Iraq to stability, peace and economic prosperity if they are left alone to explore and develop their sovereignty and political evolution, without international interference, and to establish their new government quickly.”

The attack also highlights the necessity to end domestic political uncertainty in the country, as Hankes continues: “The terrorist attack on the offices of TBI demonstrates the very urgent need for the new Iraqi government to be formed.

Various attacks have been made in recent months on Iraq’s trade, financial and commercial institutions. In this instance, there is a direct link between TBI and the national food supplies on which the Iraqi people depend. One must therefore consider this terrorist attack a direct attack on the Iraqi people.”

TBI, which is wholly owned by the Iraq government, rallied quickly after the bombings, recommencing operations on the following day.