Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Cairo

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Román Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place in St. Peter's Church attached to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, today, 11 December 2016, during which at least 25 people were killed and over 49 injured.  The members of the Security Council also condemned the terrorist attack that took place in Giza, Egypt, on Friday 9 December 2016, during which six Egyptian policemen were killed and a number of civilians were injured.

They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Egypt and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

They stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.