Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the abduction of Turkish diplomatic personnel

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the seizure this morning of the Turkish consulate in Mosul by extremist groups and the abduction of the Consul General along with several staff members and other Turkish citizens. He recalls the fundamental principle of the inviolability of consular premises and calls for the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of those abducted.

The Secretary-General calls on the international community to send a clear message that terrorist acts are unacceptable and those responsible must be held to account.