Security Council condemns recent string of terrorist attacks

Fresh off the passage of a new resolution targeting terrorists around the world, the Security Council today strongly condemned a string of attacks this week in Pakistan and Egypt as well as the beheading of a British civilian in Baghdad.

Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry of the United Kingdom, which holds the Council's rotating presidency this month, said that the 15-member body "reaffirmed their view that terrorism in all its 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, whenever and by whomsoever committed."

Earlier Friday the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1566, which calls for all countries to prosecute or extradite anyone not already on a list of those belonging to or affiliated with Al-Qaida or Taliban found supporting or participating in any terrorist acts.

In his press statement, Ambassador Jones Parry said that text reaffirmed the UN's central role in the fight against terrorism as well as the Council's determination "to stand together in confronting the scourge of terrorism."

The Council urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 - which was adopted in the wake of the 11 September 2001 attacks against the United States - and other relevant Council resolutions to cooperate actively in their efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of terrorist acts, he added.

Council members also expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the attacks and their families, he said.

Video of press remarks [2mins]