Security Council

5964^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS IN STRONGEST TERMS TWIN SUICIDE ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN

The Security Council this afternoon condemned in the strongest terms this morning’s twin suicide terrorist attacks in Wah Cantt, Pakistan, which caused numerous deaths and injuries.

In a statement read by its President for the month of August, Jan Grauls of Belgium, the Council expressed deep sympathies and condolences to the victims of that heinous act, as well as to their families and the people and Government of Pakistan.  It also underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors to justice.

Emphasizing that any acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, the Council further reaffirmed the need to combat, by all means, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts and reminded States that they must ensure that any measures against terrorism comply with their obligations under international law.

At the opening of the meeting, the President extended a warm welcome to the new Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata.  Mr. Terzi said he was pleased to commence his duties in the Council and emphasized the importance of decisive actions in the framework of implementing the 15-member body’s obligations in the area of international peace and security.  The Council should be unified to promote solutions in a manner true to the Charter and consistent with international law, he said, adding that the world looked to the Council with high expectations, and it was important to act in consensus.

The meeting was called to order at 5:55 p.m. and adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/32 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the twin suicide terrorist attacks that occurred in Wah Cantt, Pakistan, on 21 August 2008 causing numerous deaths and injuries.  It expresses its deep sympathies and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and Government of Pakistan.

“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 Pakistani 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