UN condemns terrorist attack in Egypt

The Security Council and the UN secretary-general on Friday condemned the terrorist attack in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula that killed 235 people.

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack," said Sebastiano Cardi, president of the council, in a statement.

The members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Egyptian government and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, said the statement.

They underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all states to cooperate actively with the Egyptian government and all other relevant authorities.

They reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack on al-Rawdah Mosque during prayers in the town of Bir al-Abed in North Sinai on Friday.

Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Egypt and wished a swift recovery to those who have been injured, said Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesman, in a statement.

The secretary-general called for those responsible for the horrific attack to be swiftly brought to justice, said Haq.