In an unprecedented move, the Security Council last night unanimously condemned “the unjustifiable and criminal” hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro by Palestinian terrorists.
For the first time in its 40-year history, the Security Council also condemned “terrorism in all its forms, wherever and by whomever committed.”
The condemnation was issued in a statement, read by United States Ambassador to the UN, Vernon Walters, who is this month’s President of the Security Council. The statement deplored “the death of a passenger,” Leon Klinghoffer, 69, of New York City, who was killed by the Palestinian terrorists, and welcomed the release of the passengers and the crew of the hijacked ship.
The statement, which was issued at a brief Council meeting after all 15 members agreed privately on the wording, read:
“The members of the Security Council welcome the news of the release of the passengers and the crew of the cruise ship Achille Lauro and deplore the reported death of a passenger. They resolutely condemn this unjustifiable and criminal hijacking as well as other acts of terrorism, including hostage taking. They also condemn terrorism in all its forms, wherever and by whomever committed.”
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