New York

22 May 2015

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Terrorist Attack in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack today targeting a Shia mosque in the town of al-Qudaih in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The attack caused many deaths and injuries as people were gathering for Friday prayers.

The Secretary-General stresses that such attacks on places of worship are abhorrent and intended to promote sectarian conflict.  He hopes that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.

The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his sympathies to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.