UNSC Condemns "Barbaric, Cowardly" Terrorist Attack in St. Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at a memorial for the victims of the St. Petersburg terror attack.

New York, 07 Rajab 1438/04 April 2017 (MINA) – UN Security Council (UNSC) members condemned Monday in the strongest terms the “barbaric and cowardly” terrorist attack that took place in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, where at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured.

In a press statement released, the Council members expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and to the Government of the Russian Federation, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

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The UNSC reaffirmed that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.” The 15-member body reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

Therefore, they reaffirmed in their statement the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the UN Charter 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.

Underlining the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, the UNSC stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable.

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The Council urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of the Russian Federation in this regard.

The US prepared to offer assistance to Russia

From Washington KUNA reported that the US condemned Monday the twin blasts at underground stations in St. Petersburg, Russia that killed at least 10 people and wounded at least 40 others.

US President Donald Trump commented on the attack saying “terrible. Terrible thing. Happening all over the world. Absolutely a terrible thing.”

For his part, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told journalists that the US condemns this “reprehensible” attack and “act of violence.”

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“Attacks like these on ordinary citizens just going about their lives remind us that the world must work as one to combat violence in all forms,” he stressed.

He added that the US “is prepared to offer assistance to Russia that it may require in investigating this crime”. T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)