Security Council

5978^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS IN STRONGEST TERMS TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAKISTAN

The Security Council today condemned in the strongest terms Saturday’s terrorist attack in Islamabad, Pakistan, which killed and wounded foreign diplomats as well as local residents. 

In a formal statement read out by Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso, which holds the Council Presidency this month, the 15-member body also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and underlined the need to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of what it called “this reprehensible act of terrorism”.

It reaffirmed that all acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, and that terrorism must be fought by all means consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

The meeting began at 1:06 p.m. and ended at 1:11 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/35 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that occurred in Islamabad on 20 September 2008, causing numerous deaths and injuries, including among foreign diplomats.  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 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 thatthey must ensure 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.”

* *** *

For information media • not an official record