UN chief strongly condemns terrorist attacks in London
4 June 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned last night’s terrorist attacks in London and solidarity with the people and Government of the United Kingdom in the combat against terrorism and violent extremism.
“The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and the Government of the United Kingdom as they fight terrorism and violent extremism,” said a statement issued by a UN spokesperson, which denounced the deadly incidents as “unjustifiable violence” and also expressed Mr. Guterres’ condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a swift recovery.
According to media reports, seven people were killed and dozens more injured when a van sped across London Bridge last night, ramming numerous pedestrians. After the van came to a halt, the attackers reportedly stabbed several people in the capital’s Borough Market, a crowded weekend gathering spot. The three assailants were reportedly shot by the police.
This is the third deadly incident in the UK that authorities have attributed to terrorists in as many months, following a deadly attack near the Houses of Parliament in March, and nearly two weeks after a suicide bombing outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.
“This is a struggle in many parts of the globe that compels the international community to join up efforts to bring to justice those who use such inhuman tactics while also protecting and promoting the fundamental values, rights and principles that terrorists so fervently seek to undermine,” the statement concluded.