OSCE Chairperson Kurz and Secretary General Zannier condemn horrific terrorist attack in Manchester, offer condolences

VIENNA, 23 May 2017 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, expressing deep shock, condemned the horrific terrorist attack last night in Manchester and offer sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

“It shocks me every time I hear the news of a terror attack. I firmly condemn in strongest terms this barbaric act targeting youth and children celebrating music,” said Kurz.

"The despicable attack in Manchester underlines the urgency with which we must fight terrorism, seek to prevent such attacks and counter radicalization within our societies. This can only be successful if we co-operate closely. The OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism Conference that began today in Vienna, with its more than 500 experts, can make an important contribution in this regard," he said.

Chairperson Kurz reaffirmed the commitment of the OSCE participating States to work together to prevent, suppress, investigate and prosecute terrorism-related acts.

Secretary General Zannier, strongly condemning the attack, expressed his solidarity with the United Kingdom. “This terrible act underlines that we all have a responsibility to prevent and combat terrorism.  We must strengthen legislation essential to combating terrorism, but also strengthen the role of civil society, women, youth and religious leaders in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that can lead to terrorism,” said Zannier.

According to preliminary official information, the explosion was a terrorist act and resulted in at least 22 people killed, including children, and over 50 injured.