UN and Middle East partners condemn ‘brutal attack’ on Israeli tourists in Bulgaria

The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the search for peace in the Middle East today strongly condemned yesterday’s deadly bombing on a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Bulgaria, an attack that was also deplored by the Security Council.

“This is an act of cowardice against innocent people, including children,” said a statement issued by the members of the so-called Middle East Quartet – the diplomatic grouping bringing together the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States.

According to media reports, the bus was outside of the airport of the city of Burgas when it exploded, killing at least seven and injuring more than 30 people, some critically.

“The members of the Quartet look forward to the apprehension of the perpetrators and their being brought to justice,” the statement said, adding that the Quartet supports all international efforts to assist the Bulgarian authorities and others in this effort.

The Quartet also offered its condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of the Israelis and others killed or injured in the attack, as well as to the people of Bulgaria.

“This attack provides a reminder of the need for the members of the international community to stand side-by-side in the effort to prevent terrorism wherever it may be practiced,” the group’s members said. “The Quartet will continue its effort to reach comprehensive, just and lasting settlement in the Middle East, where all the people will live in peace and security.”

In a statement read out to the press by Ambassador Nestor Osorio of Colombia, which holds the Council’s presidency for this month, the 15-member body expressed its deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of this “heinous” act and to their families.

It also 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.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack in “the strongest possible terms” on Wednesday.