Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Baghdad

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Elbio Rosselli (Uruguay):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the 11 January terrorist attacks in Baghdad, which resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people, as well as many more injured persons, for which ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant], also known as Da’esh, has claimed responsibility.  These latest victims are a sad addition to the thousands of Iraqi civilians killed in the past year.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Iraq.  They wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the efforts of the Government of Iraq and its partners to counter ISIL and return stability throughout the country.  The Council also welcomed the Government’s recent successes in Sinjar, Ramadi and other parts of Iraq.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.  The members of the Security Council condemned all attacks perpetrated by ISIL against the people of Iraq in an attempt to destabilize the country and region.  They reiterated their commitment to Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, as well as security of the country.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed 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 members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.