UN condemns terrorist attack in Egyptian capital, Cairo

Condemning the terrorist attack at the St. Peter's Church, attached to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council underlined that those responsible for the attack should be held accountable.

In a statement issued by his office, Mr. Ban condemned the terrorist act against the place of worship and expressed hope that its perpetrators will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.

Dozens of people have been killed and many more injured in the attack.

In separate statement, the UN Security Council also spoke out against the attack and reiterated that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

The Council also underscored the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of such reprehensible acts to justice.

Further in the statement, Council members also condemned the terrorist attack in Giza on Friday in which six Egyptian policemen were killed and a number of civilians injured.

Wide view of the Security Council Chamber. UN Photo/Loey Felipe (file)

Members also urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in holding those responsible for the killings to account.

Further today, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC) also denounced the attack.

“The brutal crime, which killed dozens of people and wounded many others is shocking by all means taking place near a church, a sacred place of worship where people of faith seek peace and comfort and share the values of compassion and tolerance,” read a UNAOC statement.

The UN officials and the Security Council also expressed their sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims as well as to Egyptian Government, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.