UN strongly condemns terrorist attack in Egypt

The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General António Guterres today condemned in the strongest terms the killing of at least 28 people in Egypt, with the Council denouncing the attack “heinous” and “cowardly.”

The 15-member Council, whose rotating membership currently includes Egypt, began a regularly scheduled meeting this morning with a moment of silence in honour of the victims.

In a press statement, the Council members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, reportedly including children.

In a statement that followed, the Council reiterated that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”

Perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these “reprehensible acts of terrorism” need to be brought to justice, the members said, and called on Governments to cooperate actively with the Egyptian Government and all relevant authorities.

A statement issued by UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said Mr. Guterres condemned the terrorist attack, saying: “There can be no justification for such horrific violence.”

The Secretary-General expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Egypt. He also wished a quick recovery to those injured and hoped that the perpetrators of “this despicable act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.”

Also strongly condemning the attack, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), said: “The terrorist attack in Egypt and few days ago in Manchester are stark reminders that the ugly face of terrorism knows no borders. It is also a reminder that we should all stand up together in our fight against terrorism in all its forms.”