The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack committed by a suicide bomber inside the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria, on 22 June. The attack targeted Christians in their place of worship and resulted in the loss of lives of at least 20 people and dozens injured.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Syrian people and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, as well as protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion. They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in Syria in this regard.
The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
