Security Council condemns killing of Russian diplomats in Iraq

Avowing that no cause can justify acts of terror, the United Nations Security Council today condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the killing of four Russian envoys in Iraq following their abduction earlier this month.

“The Security Council is appalled by the horrific death of members of the Russian Diplomatic mission in Iraq who had been kidnapped by a terrorist group and later ruthlessly and in cold blood executed by their captors,” the 15-Member body said through a statement read out by its President for June, Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Løj of Denmark.

Conveying its condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Russian Federation, the Council also urged all States to cooperate with efforts bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of such acts.

It stressed the importance of supporting the Government of Iraq to exercise its responsibility in providing protection to the diplomatic community, United Nations staff and other foreign civilian personnel working in the strife-torn country.