UN chief, UNSC members strongly condemn Peshawar attack

• UN Security Council members condemned the terrorist attack in Peshawar
• They said terrorism is the most serious threat to international peace and security
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack

NEW YORK: UN Security Council members condemned “in the strongest terms” the suicide terrorist attack at the Peshawar mosque, and called for those responsible for the “heinous and cowardly” action to be brought to justice.

A statement issued by UNSC President for the month of January, Ambassador President Ishikane Kimihiro of Japan expressed “deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Pakistan, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.”

The statement said that the members of the UN Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

“The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice,” the statement said.

They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Pakistan, as well as all other relevant authorities.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the statement further said.

“They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also strongly condemned the suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar, saying it was “abhorrent” that the attack occurred at a place of worship.

“Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right,” his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

“The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured,” the statement said.

It added, “The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism.”

UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi also strongly condemned the attack in Peshawar, saying, “Targeting people as they pray is a truly horrid and cowardly attack.”

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