Security Council

5962^nd Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS SUICIDE BOMBING IN ISSERS, ALGERIA

Strongly condemning a suicide bombing in Issers, Algeria, that left dozens of people dead and injured outside a police training academy, the Security Council today underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of that reprehensible act of terrorism to justice.

Offering their condolences to the victims “of this heinous act of terrorism” in a statement read out by Council President Jan Grauls ( Belgium), the Council reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its Charter responsibilities.  It urged all States to cooperate with Algerian authorities to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators and sponsors of the bombing to justice.

In that connection, the Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constituted one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism were “criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”.

The meeting began at 5:35 p.m. and ended at 5:41 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/31 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist suicide attack that occurred in Issers, Algeria, on 19 August 2008, causing numerous deaths and injuries at a gendarmerie training academy.  It expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and Government of Algeria.

“The Security Council underlines the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001) and consistent with resolution 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Algerian authorities 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 Council reminds States that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

“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