UNSC to condemn recent terrorist attacks in Syria

The Security Council is scheduled to issue tomorrow Tuesday a Russian-proposed press statement condemning in the "strongest terms" the terrorist attacks that occurred in Damascus, Syria, on 17 and 19 March and in Aleppo on 18 March and which caused scores of deaths and injuries. According to the Russian draft, the Council is expected to call for all violence to cease immediately, and reaffirm that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The Council is also expected to reiterate its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the UN Charter, and to remind States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. Excluding the Syrian government, the Council would express its "deep sympathy and sincere condolences" to the victims of these "heinous" acts and to their families, and to the Syrian people.