SC/8764
30 June 2006
Security Council Condemns in Strongest Terms Killing of Russian Federation Diplomats in Iraq, Says "No Cause Can Justify Such Acts of Terror"
NEW YORK, 29 June (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this morning, appalled by the horrific death of members of the Russian diplomatic mission in Iraq, who had been kidnapped by a terrorist group and later ruthlessly and in cold blood executed by their captors, condemned that crime in the strongest possible terms.
In a statement read out by its President for June, Ellen Margrethe Løj (Denmark), the Council also conveyed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased, and the people and Government of the Russian Federation.
In addition, the Council confirmed that no cause could justify such acts of terror, and urged all States to cooperate actively in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of such acts.
Furthermore, the Council underlined the importance of continuing the efforts of the Government of Iraq in exercising its responsibility in providing protection to the diplomatic community, United Nations staff and other foreign civilian personnel working in Iraq.
The meeting began at 10:15 a.m. and ended at 10:20 a.m.
Presidential Statement
The full text of the presidential statement, to be issued as S/PRST/2006/29, reads as follows:
"The Security Council is appalled by the horrific death of members of the Russian Diplomatic mission in Iraq, who had been kidnapped by a terrorist group and later ruthlessly and in cold blood executed by their captors.
"The Security Council in strongest possible terms condemns this crime committed by the terrorists and conveys its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased, the people and the Government of the Russian Federation.
"The Security Council confirms that no cause can justify such acts of terror as this crime and previous attacks on foreign diplomats committed by the terrorists, and reaffirms its utmost determination to combat terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
"The Security Council urges all States, in accordance with their obligation under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate actively in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these barbaric acts.
"The Security Council also calls on the international community to support the Government of Iraq in exercising its responsibility in providing protection to the diplomatic community in Iraq, United Nations staff and other foreign civilian personnel working in Iraq.
"The Security Council also underlines the importance of continuing the efforts of the Government of Iraq and the Multinational Force in combating terrorism and improving security in Iraq, in line with resolutions 1546 (2004) and 1637 (2005).
"The Security Council reiterates the importance of efforts to promote national reconciliation, dialogue and inclusion in ensuring peace, security and stability in Iraq and, in that context, commends the Iraqi Government for initiating the Reconciliation and National Dialogue Plan.
"The Security Council reaffirms the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq."
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