Dozens killed in Iraqi violence

At least 25 people have been killed in the latest attacks by rebels in Iraq.

A car bomb outside a police academy killed at least 15 people as cadets were graduating in Hilla, south of capital Baghdad, on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day six people died in an attack in Baquba to the north of Baghdad and four more died in fighting in Ramadi, to the west of the city.

There has been growing violence against US and Iraqi forces ahead of elections planned for 30 January.

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The attacks came as temporary Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said it was important for the elections to be held on time.

The rebels are against the elections because they are backed by the US, who they want to leave the country at once.