SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES ‘UTTER REPUGNANCE’ AT MURDER

OF WORSHIPPERS IN PAKISTAN CHURCH

This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General expresses his utter repugnance at the murder of innocent worshippers yesterday in the church of Saint Dominic’s in eastern Pakistan.  He condemns this cold-blooded act of indiscriminate violence and conveys his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.  No cause can ever be served by the killing of innocent civilians.

The Secretary-General calls on the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice and redouble their efforts to ensure freedom and security for Pakistanis of every religion and ethnicity.

* *** *