SG/SM/8008
30 October 2001

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES "UTTER REPUGNANCE"
AT MURDER OF WORSHIPPERS IN PAKISTAN CHURCH

NEW YORK, 29 October (UN Headquarters) -- This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General expresses his utter repugnance at the murder of innocent worshippers yesterday in the church of Saint Dominic’s in eastern Pakistan. He condemns this cold-blooded act of indiscriminate violence and conveys his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. No cause can ever be served by the killing of innocent civilians.

The Secretary-General calls on the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice and redouble their efforts to ensure freedom and security for Pakistanis of every religion and ethnicity.

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