By Hadi Fornaji.
Tripoli, 14 May 2013:
The United Nations Security Council today condemned in “the strongest terms” the “heinous” Benghazi attack near . . .[restrict]the Jala’a Hospital, which it said had caused “numerous deaths and injuries”.
The Council expressed its “deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and to the government and the people of Libya”.
Underlining the commitment of the international community to supporting Libya’s transition to a secure, peaceful and prosperous democracy, the Council called upon all states to cooperate with the Libyan authorities in their investigation of the crime.
It reaffirmed that terrorism constituted one of the most serious threats to international peace and security adding: “Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”.
Immediately after the attack, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had called on all Libyans to stand together against terrorism and attempts to destabilise the country. It emphasised the need to support the legitimate authority of the state, to enable it “ to shoulder its responsibilities in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across Libya”.
The UN statements were echoed today by the British government, whose foreign minister William Hague described the attack as “cowardly”.
He continued:“Two years ago the people of Benghazi bravely stood against Qaddafi in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future for themselves and their children. This kind of terrorism has no place in the Libya they want to create.
“The UK will continue to support the Libyan people, Congress and Government through this challenging time and continue to assist them as they seek to build a secure, stable and democratic country.”
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