S/PV.5964 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council. (spoke in English) “The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the twin suicide terrorist attacks that occurred in Wah Cantt, Pakistan, on 21 August 2008 causing numerous deaths and injuries. It expresses its deep sympathies and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and Government of Pakistan. “The Security Council underlines the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001) and consistent with resolution 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Pakistani authorities in this regard. “The Security Council reaffirms 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 Security Council further reaffirms the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The Council reminds States that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. “The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.” (spoke in French) This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2008/32. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda.