Terrorist bomb attacks in India draw UN condemnation

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council condemned the terrorist attacks that struck various parts of the Indian city of Mumbai, stressing that such violence is unjustifiable.

The blasts killed more than 20 people and injured over 100 others, according to media reports.

Both Mr. Ban and the Council expressed their condolences to the victims of the attacks, their families and the people and Government of India.

“No cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate violence against civilians,” a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson stated.

Members of the Council, which described the blasts as “heinous acts,” reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with their responsibilities under the UN Charter.

They reaffirmed 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,” Ambassador Peter Wittig of Germany, which holds the Council's rotating presidency this month, said in a statement read out to the press.