Deploring attacks in Kenya, Annan urges broad fight against terrorism

Condemning Thursday’s terrorist attacks in Mombasa, Kenya, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for a comprehensive approach to the scourge.

A UN spokesperson said Mr. Annan was “appalled” by yesterday’s suicide bomb attack on a hotel, where at least 13 people were killed and many injured, and by the apparent attempt to shoot down an Israeli civilian aircraft.

“The Secretary-General is relieved that a greater catastrophe was avoided,” Hua Jiang said in a press statement, stressing that he is “utterly opposed to all acts of terrorism, from whatever quarter.”

Yesterday’s attacks in Kenya once again underscore the need for a broad and sustained strategy to fight the scourge of terrorism, the statement emphasized.

Condemning the terrorist attacks “in the strongest possible terms,” the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Kenyan and Israeli Governments.