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U.N. Security Council slams deadly terrorist attack in Afghan capital

Xinhua, July 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

The U.N. Security Council on Saturday "condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and coward terrorist attack" that occurred in the Afghan capital Kabul, for which local affiliates of the Islamic State (IS) have claimed responsibility.

Two explosions occurred on Saturday at Dehmazang square targeting a peaceful demonstration, killing at least 80 people while injuring over 230.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, ISIL, also known as IS, illegal and armed groups to the local population, the National Defense and Security Forces and international presence in Afghanistan, the 15-nation U.N. body said in a press statement issued here Saturday night.

"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," the statement said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday also condemned the terrorist attack, saying that "this despicable crime targeted citizens peacefully exercising their fundamental human rights."

"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 and welcomed their unity in confronting this tragedy," the statement said, "They wished the injured a speedy recovery."

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation and wherever, whenever and by whomsoever it is committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group," the statement said.

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

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that no violent or terrorist acts can reverse the Afghan-led process along the path towards 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