SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS ‘HEINOUS ACT OF TERRORISM’ IN BALI, UNDERLINES NEED TO BRING THOSE RESPONSIBLE TO JUSTICE

Security Council

5274^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS ‘HEINOUS ACT OF TERRORISM’ IN BALI ,

UNDERLINES NEED TO BRING THOSE RESPONSIBLE TO JUSTICE

The Security Council this afternoon condemned in the strongest terms the latest heinous act of terrorism in Bali, Indonesia, which killed at least 19 people and wounded more than 130 others last Saturday.

Expressing its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, as well as the people and the Government of Indonesia, the Council, in a statement read by its President for the month of October, Mihnea Ioan Motoc (Romania), also reaffirmed that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these intolerable acts to justice, and urged all States to cooperate with and provide assistance to the Indonesian Government in that regard.

Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the Council further reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its Charter responsibilities.

Addressing the Council today, Indonesia’s representative expressed appreciation for the body’s prompt attention, and expressed condolences to the families and Governments of the victims of the brutal attacks on 1 October.  The attacks were clearly acts of terrorism, in which victims were indiscriminately chosen and which occurred in public places.

He assured the Council that the attacks would be speedily investigated and that their perpetrators would be held to account.  The efforts of his Government to build a democratic society and achieve development would not be derailed.   Indonesia was working hard to develop a comprehensive response to terrorism.  Bali, a frontline tourist destination, would not be crushed.  It would recover and continue to grow, receiving visitors from all over the world.

The meeting started at 12:52 p.m. and adjourned at 1 p.m.

Presidential Statement

Following is the full text of the presidential statement, to be issued as S/PRST/2005/45:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist bombing that took place in Bali, Indonesia, on 1 October 2005, which has again fallen victim to a heinous act of terrorism.

“The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, and to the people and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.

“The Security Council underlines the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these intolerable acts to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate with and provide support and assistance, as appropriate, to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in this regard.

“The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

“The Security Council further reaffirms the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

“The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.”

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For information media • not an official record