UNSC condemns terrorist attack against MINUSMA

NEW YORK, May 24 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) near Aguelhoc, Mali, which caused the death of two Chadian peacekeepers and injured another.
The attack was later claimed by Jama'at Nusrat Al-Islam Wa Al-Muslimin (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims).
The members of the Security Council expressed in a statement released Tuesday evening their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government of Chad and to MINUSMA, paying tribute to the peacekeepers who risk their lives.
They UNSC members called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice, and underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.
The 15-member body reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, underlining the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. They stressed in their statement that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.
Further, the members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They 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, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
The Council reiterated full support for MINUSMA and the French forces that support it, reiterating their strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Mali, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, and for MINUSMA to assist the Malian authorities and people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, including through MINUSMA's support to the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. (end) mao.hb