By Taimiyu Arobani
New York – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the despicable terrorist attack overnight on New Year celebrations at a nightclub in Istanbul.
Dozens of people were killed and injured in the attack.
Guterres urged in a statement that “the organisers and perpetrators of this heinous act will be identified and brought to justice swiftly”.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Turkey and of those countries whose nationals were impacted.
NAN recalls that the UN Security Council also denounced the terrorist attack at a night club that reportedly killed at least 39 people and injured 69.
“The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the heinous and barbaric terrorist attack,” the council said a statement issued on Sunday.
The council also reiterated that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”.
The council members reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestation constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
It underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States to cooperate actively with the Government of Turkey and all other relevant authorities in this regard.
Members of the council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.
NAN also recalls that Joining the the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilisations, Nassir Al-Nasser, joined in the condemnation of the attack.
“The horrific attack which killed and injured dozens of innocent revelers is a despicable and an unjustifiable act regardless of the motivation,” Al-Nasser said.
The UN envoy extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people and the Government of Turkey.