Condemning Terrorist Attack on Mosque in Saudi Arabia, Secretary-General Extends Condolences to Families of Victims, Government

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

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack today targeting a Shia mosque in the town of al-Qudaih in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The attack caused many deaths and injuries as people were gathering for Friday prayers.

The Secretary-General stresses that such attacks on places of worship are abhorrent and intended to promote sectarian conflict.  He hopes that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.

The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his sympathies to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.