SC/8772
13 July 2006

Security Council Presidential Statement Condemns in Strongest Terms India Bombings, Says Perpetrators of "Reprehensible Acts of Terrorism" Must Be Brought to Justice

NEW YORK, 12 July (UN Headquarters) -- Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constituted one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the Security Council this afternoon condemned in the strongest terms the 11 July bomb attacks in India, including in Mumbai.

In a presidential statement read by Council President Jean-Marc de la Sablière (France) the Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of those "reprehensible" acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States to cooperate actively with the Indian authorities in that regard.

The Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and reminded States that any measures they take to combat terrorism should comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The meeting started at 1:10 p.m. and was adjourned at 1:14 p.m.

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2006/30 reads as follows:

"The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the series of bomb attacks that occurred in different parts of India, including Mumbai, on 11 July 2006, causing numerous deaths and injuries, and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these heinous acts of terrorism and their families, and to the people and the Government of India.

"The Security Council underlines the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Indian 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."

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