World condemns Qatif attack

(MENAFN- Arab News) RIYADH: United in grief and upping the ante against terrorism people from across the world strongly condemned the terror attack in Qatif where a suicide bomber blew himself up during the Friday prayer at a mosque killing 21 and wounding over 100 others.
The UN resident coordinator in Riyadh Ashok Nigam told Arab News on Saturday: "Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council have strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the Eastern Province and the UN House here at the diplomatic quarter condemns it in the same words."
Expressing hope that the perpetrators of the heinous crime will be swiftly brought to justice Nigam said that Ban in his condemnation stressed that such attacks on places of worship are abhorrent and intended to promote conflicts.
He further said that the Security Council also condemned the attack for which it said the Islamic State had claimed responsibility.
The Security Council further emphasized that rather than being intimidated by such continued acts of barbarism perpetrated by IS they have stiffened resolve of governments and institutions including those in the region most affected to counter IS and all other individuals groups undertakings and entities involved in terrorism. Underlining the need to bring perpetrators organizers financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice the Council urged all countries to cooperate with Saudi authorities in this regard.
Reacting to the attack Johann Schmonsees spokesman of the US Embassy in Riyadh said: "The US Embassy condemns it in the strongest terms and mourns the huge loss of precious lives."
Pekka Voutilainen ambassador of Finland in Riyadh expressed his deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and to the government of Saudi Arabia. "It was a sad day yesterday. We feel very sorry for the families and other relatives of the victims and condemn it in the strongest words" said Voutilainen.
Swedish Ambassador in Riyadh Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt strongly condemned the deadly attack saying: "Sweden condemns all such terror acts. We stand with the authorities to punish the perpetrators of this heinous crime."
Sudanese Ambas-sador Abdul Hafez Ibrahim said: "We condemn such acts of terror in the strongest words. Islam is a religion of peace and prohibits violence and revenge." He also extended his sincere condolences to the victims' families and expressed sympathy to the government and people of the Kingdom on behalf of his country.
Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago also condemned the terror attack on behalf of his country and people. "All Filipinos living in the Kingdom are united in grief condemn the terror attack and convey condolences to the victims' families."