UN Security Council condemns terrorist attacks in North Egypt

The members of the UN Security Council have condemned what they described as heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks that took place, during a Palm Sunday service in Northern Egypt.

The attack happened in two Orthodox churches in Tanta and Alexandria in Egypt, during which at least 41 people were killed and over 100 injured.

The Council in a press statement, expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt and wished speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

It noted that the members of the Security Council deemed terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

Additionally, the members of the Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Egypt and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Council, further 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.

By Pamela Ofori-Boateng