Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack against Embassy of Iraq in Kabul

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Liu Jieyi (China):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack against the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 31 July 2017, which resulted in the death of two Afghan civilian employees inside the Embassy and the injury of a police officer, for which local affiliates of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) have claimed responsibility.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Iraq and the Government of Afghanistan.  They wished a speedy recovery to those injured in this heinous terrorist attack.

The members of the Security Council noted the ongoing efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to fully investigate this terrorist attack and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the relevant Governments and authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, 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, including international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.