World

UN chief condemns deadly attacks in Vienna

November 03, 2020
Secretary-General António Guterres. — courtesy UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Secretary-General António Guterres. — courtesy UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

NEW YORK — The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the violent attacks in the Austrian capital, Vienna, which left at least two people dead and several others wounded.

According to media reports, gunmen opened fire Monday evening at multiple locations in central Vienna. One of the victims was killed at the scene of the shootings, while a second died of their injuries. At least 14 wounded people are in hospitals, some with serious injuries.

Members of the security forces are also among the wounded.

Secretary-General António Guterres is following with “utmost concern” the still evolving situation in Vienna’s city center, his spokesperson said in a statement.

“[He] strongly condemns these attacks and reaffirms the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and the government of Austria,” the statement added.

Guterres also offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

‘Heart goes out to the victims’

Vienna is also host to a number of key UN offices, including, among others, the headquarters of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

In a message posted on her twitter account, Ghada Fathi Waly, the executive director of UNODC, who also serves as the director-general of the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV), also offered her sympathies to the victims.

“My heart goes out to the victims and all those affected by this horrific attack in our host city,” she said, adding that the UN community in Vienna “stands with the people of Austria at this tragic and difficult time.” — UN News


November 03, 2020
30 views
HIGHLIGHTS
World
7 hours ago

Donald Trump warns that US could strike Iran's nuclear sites again 'if necessary'

World
8 hours ago

At least 1,054 Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza have been killed by the Israeli military, UN says

World
8 hours ago

Trump ‘caught off guard’ by Israel’s actions in Gaza and Syria last week as skepticism of Netanyahu grows inside White House