SG/SM/9522
     8 October 2004

Secretary-General ‘Strongly Condemns’ Terrorist Bomb Attack in Pakistan

NEW YORK, 7 October (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the bomb attack that was carried out today in the Pakistani city of Multan, in which reportedly dozens of people were killed and many more wounded.

Yet again, the Secretary-General reiterates that all terrorist acts are utterly unacceptable, and expresses his serious concern about the dangers of sectarian violence.  He urges the authorities to take effective action against such acts and hopes that community and religious leaders will exercise their influence by calling for restraint and calm.

* *** *