UN voices grave concern after dozens die in bomb blast in Syrian capital

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council today voiced grave concern at the deteriorating situation inside Syria after an apparent suicide bomb attack in the capital, Damascus, left many people dead or injured.

Media reports indicate as many as 26 people were killed in the attack earlier today near a busy intersection in Damascus, with almost 50 others injured.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban condemned the terrorist attack and offered his sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Syria.

He noted that thousands of people have lost their lives across Syria since a popular uprising began in March last year, part of the Arab Spring movement that has engulfed the Middle East and North Africa and toppled several long-standing regimes.

“All violence is unacceptable and must stop,” the statement stressed.

The Security Council in a press statement also expressed deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of the “heinous act” and to their families and the Syrian people.

Members of the Council reaffirmed 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, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

The Council reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the UN Charter. It reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

In response to a reporter’s question at UN Headquarters, Mr. Ban commended the efforts of the League of Arab States to find a peaceful end to the bloody unrest in Syria. He said the UN stands ready to provide any technical assistance to the League’s monitors in Syria, through the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.