On Terrorist Attack in Damascus on February 21, 2013

 

A terrorist car bombing in close proximity to the Russian Embassy in Damascus which occurred on February 21, 2013 and was carried out by a suicide terrorist bomber, resulted in numerous victims and wounded among civilians, including students of a secondary school.  The chancellery and the housing compound of the Russian Embassy were significantly damaged.

Given the gravity of the incident and based on the practice of the UN Security Council, the Russian delegation circulated a draft Security Council press statement condemning this heinous act of terrorism and extending condolences to the relatives of the victims.  The text confirmed the unshakable principles that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and has no justification, and that the members of the Security Council reiterate their determination to combat it in accordance with their responsibilities under the UN Charter.

Unfortunately, such an indispensable reaction by the Security Council to this terrorist attack has been once again blocked by the US delegation linking it with other questions.

We consider unacceptable this search for justifications for terrorist actions.  It is obvious that by doing so the US delegation encourages those who have been repeatedly targeting American interests, including US diplomatic missions.


This press release was first published on the Web site of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations; it is reproduced here for non-profit educational purposes.




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