The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in the Iman mosque in Damascus yesterday, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. He expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes those injured a speedy recovery. The Secretary-General believes that this latest atrocity, along with others prior to it, should be promptly and fully investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.

The Secretary-General renews his call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. Deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including places of worship, constitutes a war crime. These heinous acts must stop immediately.

The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that resorting to violence and military means will only lead to more suffering and destruction. A political solution is the only way out of this conflict.