U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon dispatched on Tuesday several top aides to Algiers to investigate the deadly bombings that have reportedly killed dozens of people, including a number of U.N. staff members.
In an updated statement released by his spokesperson, Ban said "words cannot express my sense of shock, outrage and anger at the terrorist attack on the United Nations mission in Algiers today."
"This was an abjectly cowardly strike against civilian officials serving humanity's highest ideals under the U.N. banner -- base, indecent and unjustifiable by even the most barbarous political standard," he stated in Bali, where he is currently traveling.
"We do not yet have an accurate count of the many casualties, both among U.N. staff and the local population. But our hearts go out to the victims," the U.N. chief said.
He stressed that "their sacrifice cannot and shall not be forgotten," adding "the perpetrators of these crimes will not escape the strongest possible condemnation -- and ultimate punishment -- by Algerian authorities and the international community."
Ban said he has instructed senior advisers from his Executive Office, United Nations Development Program and the Department of Safety and Security to proceed to Algiers immediately.
"We will take every possible measure to aid those injured in the attack and their families," he observed. "The security of U.N. staff is paramount. We will take every measure to ensure their safety, in Algeria and elsewhere, beginning with an immediate review of our security precautions and policies."
Two bombs exploded around 9:30 a.m. (0830 GMT) on Tuesday with one blasting close to the U.N. refugee agency building and the other near the Algerian Supreme Court building.
According to the latest statistics, the bombings killed at least five U.N. staff members and left around 10 missing.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article