EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton "strongly" condemned Thursday’s attacks in Baghdad that left 57 dead.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton "strongly" condemned Thursday's attacks in Baghdad that left 57 dead and urged Iraqi leaders to engage in dialogue immediately to address their differences.

Ashton "deplores loss of life caused by terrorists exploiting a fragile political situation," a statement from her office said.

Ashton urged all political groups to engage in an inclusive dialogue as "ensuring that the government in Iraq is both effective and inclusive is the best way to defy the continuing violence."

The apparently coordinated bombings were the first major sign of violence came just days after US forces completed their withdrawal.

Parliament called an urgent meeting of political leaders for Friday. The UN special envoy to Baghdad Martin Kobler denounced the "horrendous" attacks, and said Iraq's leaders must "act swiftly, responsibly and in unity".