Secretary-General strongly condemns attack on india-pakistan ‘friendship express’

The following statement was issued by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 19 February:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the brutal terrorist bombing of the Delhi-Lahore “Friendship Express”, in which 67 people were killed and nearly 20 injured.  This heinous crime cannot be justified by any cause and its perpetrators should be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General conveys his deep condolences to the families of the innocent victims and the Governments of India and Pakistan.

The Secretary-General expresses his satisfaction that the leaders of India and Pakistan have reaffirmed their determination to continue on the path of dialogue.  He is also encouraged by the strong reaction among the various communities in the subcontinent and their common resolve to thwart the motives of the terrorists.

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For information media • not an official record