NEW YORK, United States (Reuters) — The United Nations has strongly condemned Tuesday’s terrorist bombings in Brussels, extending condolences to the victims and their families while expressing solidarity with the people and Government of Belgium.
A statement issued by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s spokesperson said, “The despicable attacks today struck at the heart of Belgium and the center of the European Union.”
The UN chief “is confident that Belgium’s and Europe’s commitment to human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence will continue to be the true and lasting response to the hatred and violence of which they became a victim today,” said the statement.
“The secretary-general hopes those responsible will be swiftly brought to justice,” the spokesperson added.
The 15-nation UN Security Council, in a press statement issued later on the same day, “condemned in the strongest terms” the terrorist attacks in Brussels, for which the Islamic State group, also known as ISIL, has claimed responsibility.
At least 34 people were killed in a series of attacks in Brussels on Tuesday morning, of whom 14 died in a suicide attack at Brussels national airport.
