Security Council Press Statement on Attacks in Mogadishu

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gerard van Bohemen (New Zealand):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the suicide attack against the Jazeera Palace Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 26 July, which has caused numerous deaths, including one member of security staff from the Chinese Embassy, and injuries, and for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.  They expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.  The members of the Security Council offered their condolences to the people and Governments of the Republic of Somalia and the People’s Republic of China.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.  The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of this act to justice.

The members of the Security Council recalled the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and the obligations of host Governments, including under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic and consular premises against any intrusion or damage, to prevent any disturbance of the peace of these missions or impairment of their dignity and to prevent any attack on diplomatic agents and consular officers.

The members of the Security Council underlined their enduring commitment to support peace and stability in Somalia.  They underlined that neither this, nor any other terrorist attack, would undermine their determination to support political and military progress.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to all international actors working to support the people and Government of Somalia.