Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Iraq

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Volodymyr Yelchenko (Ukraine):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the cowardly and heinous terrorist attack which took place in Baghdad, Iraq on 16 February, during which at least 50 people were killed and many more injured.  The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people and the Government of Iraq.  They wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.  The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.  They stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Iraq and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the efforts of the Government of Iraq and its partners to counter Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and to return stability to the country.