UN chief signs condolence book for victims of Turkish terrorism attack
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 30 June 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN chief signs condolence book for victims of Turkish terrorism attack, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776659540b.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
30 June 2016 - There is no justification for terrorism, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated after signing a book of condolences for the victims of the attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport.
Paying his respects at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations in New York, the Secretary-General extended his deepest condolences to the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
"I sincerely hope that the Turkish people and Government will be able to overcome…this shocking tragedy," Mr. Ban told a small group of journalists, adding that the UN stands firmly with the fight against terrorism and extremism.
He added that "nothing can justify such kind of heinous terrorist attacks" and that they "must be defeated in the name of humanity."
He noted that Istanbul has been a "crossroad of many people" including millions of refugees fleeing Syria and other conflicts, and highlighted the need for all people's security and safety.
Mr. Ban urged the international community to unite to defeat and counter terrorism, and to prevent violent extremism.
This will likely be his message this afternoon, when Mr. Ban addresses the 193 Member States of the UN General Assembly about the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.
Also today, the Security Council issued a press statement condemning "in the strongest terms" the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack, which killed at least 42 people and injured 238.
Reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," the Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.
The 15-member body reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, urging all States to cooperate actively with the Government of Turkey and all other relevant authorities.
