UN chief condemns deadly arson attack in Mexico

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today deplored the arson attack that left 53 people dead in Monterrey, Mexico, yesterday and voiced solidarity with the country’s people, the families of the victims and the country’s Government.

He condemned the “deplorable act of violence” and expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones.

“The United Nations stands with the people of Mexico at this difficult moment,” said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Secretary-General.

According to media reports, gunmen stormed a casino, sprinkled it with fuel and set the building on fire.

Local authorities suspect that organized crime may have been responsible for the attack, the deadliest act of violence since the country launched a crackdown on drug cartels in 2006, according to the press reports.