REITERATING CONDEMNATION OF PAKISTAN BOMBING, SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

FURTHER DISMAYED BY RISING TOLL OF TARGETED INNOCENTS

 

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

As more information emerges about yesterday’s terrorist attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, the Secretary-General is further dismayed by the news that the confirmed death toll is rising and includes two United Nations staff members -– Mr. Aleksandar Vorkapic of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Ms. Perseveranda So of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  Four United Nations colleagues -– two from the World Food Programme (WFP), one from the World Health Organization (WHO) and one from UNICEF -- were injured.  A number of Pakistani nationals supporting United Nations programmes were also killed and injured.  The search for casualties is continuing.

The Secretary-General reiterates his strong condemnation of this brutal act of terror against innocent people, many of whom were in Peshawar to carry out humanitarian work.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record