UN condemns terrorist attack in Istanbul on New Year's Day

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today condemned the despicable terrorist attack overnight on New Year celebrations at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, in which dozens of people were killed and injured.

“He hopes that the organizers and perpetrators of this heinous act will be identified and brought to justice swiftly,” said a statement issued by Mr. Guterres' spokesman.

“He extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Turkey and of those countries whose nationals were impacted,” the statement added.

The UN Security Council also denounced the terrorist attack at a night club that reportedly killed at least 39 people and injured 69.

“The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the heinous and barbaric terrorist attack,” said a press statement issued this afternoon, in which they also reiterated that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

The Council members reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States to cooperate actively with the Government of Turkey and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

Joining the condemnation of the attack was the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser.

“The horrific attack which killed and injured dozens of innocent revelers is a despicable and an unjustifiable act regardless of the motivation,” he said, extending his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people and the Government of Turkey.