UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack in Kabul

The UN Security Council on Tuesday condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan.

In a statement, the powerful UN body 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 Afghan authorities in this regard."

It also expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people and government of Afghanistan.

A suicide attack took place near the Supreme Court building in Kabul, claiming the lives of a dozen civilians and injured 30 others on Tuesday.

The members of the Security Council "reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan," the statement said.

Stressing that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the 15-nation body reiterated its determination to combat terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Council members restated their support for Afghan sovereignty and Afghan national institutions of state, adding that "no terrorist act can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the government of Afghanistan and the international community.