BAGHDAD (AFP) -- Powerful Shiite politicians and Iraq's leading Sunni insurgency group on Friday accused each other of being responsible for massive truck bombings in Baghdad that killed 95 people two days ago.

Statements from both sides exposed the gulf between the country's two main Muslim groups in the wake of Wednesday's attacks at the ministries of finance and foreign affairs, which also left about 600 people wounded.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shiite, said on Wednesday the bombings were "a desperate attempt to derail the political process and affect the parliamentary elections," planned to take place in January 2010.

A statement from the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council, a powerful and influential Shiite party close to Iran, said the country was facing "comprehensive war" and not only "simple bombings here and there."

It blamed Sunnis who once formed the backbone of toppled dictator Saddam Hussein's regime for the attacks.

"The remains of the former Saddam regime who are accusing Shiites of being unbelievers are continuing their crimes against innocent Iraqis, revealing their criminal plans against people's freedom and dignity," it said.

"Those attacks are clear evidence that there is a studied plan aim to kill more innocent Iraqis and destroy the wealth of Iraq," the statement added, calling on the United Nations and national governments to protect Iraqis.

However, the Islamic Army in Iraq, seen as the country's leading Sunni insurgent outfit and which includes army officers from the Saddam era, laid the blame for the attacks with the Baghdad government and US forces.

"We accuse the occupation forces, the government, political blocs whose militias are fighting between each other, in executing the attacks," said the statement which was posted on the insurgent group's website.

"The Islamic Army in Iraq always condemns all the attacks targeting innocent people.

"The series of attacks took place in Baghdad confirm that some factions in government and the political process want to build a state full of sectarianism and division."

The Islamic Army in Iraq was formed in the wake of Saddam's overthrow in 2003 and it has kidnapped foreigners, carried out beheadings and at times collaborated with Al-Qaeda before actively fighting against them in 2007.

Wednesday's truck bombings signalled the country's worst day of violence in 18 months, prompting outrage among Iraqis at security failings that had allowed the bombers to commit their atrocities.

Iraq on Thursday arrested 11 police, army and intelligence chiefs after the government admitted that trucks of the size involved in the bombings should never have been allowed to pass checkpoints that lead to central Baghdad.

A statement from the Iraqi National, Patriot and Islamic Front, a Baathist grouping loyal to Saddam, condemned Wednesday's attacks but it also blamed the government.

"By those attacks, the ugly crimes of political parties and the government which came as a result of the occupation and was installed in the green zone, are still continuing against our Iraqi patient people," it said.

"Accusations that the brave national resistance and the powers who are against the occupation have executed those attacks, are weak and unfounded."

By Sammy Ketz