UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack in Afghan city Herat

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack in Herat, Afghanistan, for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility.

In a statement, the powerful UN body underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these "reprehensible acts of terrorism" to justice, and urged all states "to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities in this regard."

It also expressed deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act, and to the people and government of Afghanistan.

At least five people were killed and 23 others injured early Friday morning as two car bombs and ensuing firing hit the U.S. consulate in Herat city, the provincial capital of western Afghan province of Heart.

"The members of the Security Council condemned acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives, which endanger or take innocent lives and seriously impede the normal work of such representatives and officials," said the statement.

The council members "reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, diplomatic facilities, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan," the statement said.

The 15-nation body stressed its determination to combat terrorism, reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the UN Charter and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, according to the statement.

"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," it said.

Restating its support for Afghan sovereignty and Afghan national institutions of state, the Council reiterated that "no terrorist act can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the Government of Afghanistan and the international community."

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