Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack on Damascus Church

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the Sunday terrorist attack on Saint Elias Church in Douileia, Damascus.  He expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General reiterates that all perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable.  He takes note that the Syrian interim authorities have condemned this attack and, after a preliminary investigation, attributed it to Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh).  He calls for a full investigation.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace, dignity and justice.