UNSC condemns ISIL attacking Saudi mosque

NEW YORK, May 23 (KUNA) -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) at a mosque in Al-Qatif, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the death of at least 21 people.
In a statement released late on Friday, the UNSC stressed that THE ISIL must be defeated and that the intolerance, violence and hatred it espouses must be stamped out.
The members of the Council further emphasized that such continued acts of "barbarism" perpetrated by THE ISIL do not intimidate them, but rather stiffen their resolve that there has to be a common effort amongst Governments and institutions, including those in the region most affected, to counter the ISIL, groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIL, Ansar Al Shari'a entities, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaeda, as the Council resolved in several resolutions.
In its statement, the 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 Saudi authorities in this regard.
Moreover, the members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to "combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts," and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The statement by the UNSC reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and to the Government of Saudi Arabia.
A suicide bomber blew up his explosive belt at Imam Ali Mosque, and resulted in the death of at least 21 and the injury of many others, while people were gathering for Friday prayers.(end) mao.rk