UN Security Council condemns attack outside New Delhi High Court

[News_Editor]

UN Security Council condemns attack outside New Delhi High Court

2011-09-08 07:47:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations (UN) Security Council has condemned "in the strongest terms" the deadly bomb blast outside the High Court in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

The blast happened at around 10.30 a.m. local time outside the court's Gate No. 5, killing eleven people and injuring more than 90 others. The Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Jehadi Islami claimed responsibility for the attack, although its claim has not yet been confirmed.

The Security Council, which is composed of five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, said its members condemned the attack in the strongest terms. "They expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of this heinous act and to their families, and to the people and Government of India," a statement said.

The Security Council also reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes 'one of the most serious threats to international peace and security', and that any acts of terrorism are 'criminal and unjustifiable', regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The permanent members of the UN Security Council are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the United States. The current non-permanent members are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Gabon, Germany, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Portugal, and South Africa.

Earlier on Wednesday, the deadly bomb blast was also condemned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who reiterated his firm stance that there is no justification for indiscriminate violence against civilians. "He expresses his solidarity with the Government and people of India," Ban's spokesman said. "The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice."

Leaders of other countries also condemned the attack, including Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. "The Pakistani leadership has expressed their deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the bombing, to the Government and people of India," the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In the United States, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the country condemns the "cowardly" attack and extends its deepest condolences to those affected by it. "The people of India have once again demonstrated remarkable resiliency and courage in the face of horrific violence," she said.

In the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was 'appalled' to hear of the bomb blast. "I condemn this cowardly attack and send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured. The UK is committed to standing together with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and we will continue to work together to counter this threat," he added.

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