2nd LD Writethru: UN Security Council slams terrorist attack in embassy area in Kabul

The UN Security Council on Friday condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack in the vicinity of the Embassy of Spain in Kabul, which resulted in at least two deaths.

The casualties include an Afghan policeman and an officer of the Spanish National Police serving at the Embassy of Spain, as well as a number of wounded persons, the 15-nation UN body said in a statement issued to the press here.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, ISIL (Islamic State) affiliates, and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, and international presence in Afghanistan," said the statement.

A car bomb exploded near the Spanish Embassy in Afghanistan's capital early Friday evening. The Taliban claimed responsibility for "suicide attacks ... on a guesthouse of invaders in the Sherpoor area of Kabul in the evening."

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Afghanistan, as well as to the people and government of Spain, the statement said, adding that they wished the injured a speedy recovery.

"The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities in this regard," said 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.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need and reiterated their determination to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, it said.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that no violent or terrorist acts 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 by the international community," the statement added. Endi