Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Afghanistan

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Olof Skoog (Sweden):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place in Kabul on 10 January 2017, which resulted in more than 120 people killed or injured, and the suicide bomb attack in Helmand, in which more than 13 were killed or injured, both of which the Taliban has claimed responsibility.  They also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kandahar yesterday, which killed at least 10 people, including 5 diplomats of the United Arab Emirates, and wounded more than 18, including the United Arab Emirates’ Ambassador to Afghanistan and the Governor of Kandahar.

They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan and all other 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.