Security Council Press Statement on Afghanistan

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack against the Imam Zaman Mosque in Pule Khomri, the capital of Baghlan province in northern Afghanistan, on 13 October, which was claimed by ISIL (Da’esh)-K and resulted in dozens of people killed and many more wounded.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security in Afghanistan, as well as in the world.

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.  They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

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.  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.