UN condemns terror attacks on Egypt’s churches

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres and the Security Council have condemned Sunday’s bombings of two Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt.

The attacks killed no fewer than 41 people and injured more than 100 others.

Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, hoped that “the perpetrators of this horrific terrorist act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice”.

In a separate statement, the Security Council called the bombings “heinous and cowardly”, and reaffirmed that terrorism was one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The bombings were also strongly condemned by the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

The UN body said that the attacks, who occurred during Palm Sunday when both churches were packed with worshippers aimed at ruining the unity and diversity that characterized the Egyptian society.

Launched in 2005 through the initiative of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the UN, the Alliance maintains a global network of partners.

The UNAOC’s alliance includes States, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations and the private sector, to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.

Guterres, the Security Council and the UNAOC expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks and to the Government of Egypt.

They also wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, according to the statements.

The UN scribe and the bodies stressed the need to bring everyone responsible for the attacks to justice, and urged UN member-states to cooperate with Egypt and all other relevant authorities.