Ban condemns Texas shooting, urges for democratic debate and dialogue

05 May 2015

New York, May 5 (JEN): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned Sundayâ€™s shooting in Texas that injured a law enforcement officer, reiterating that such criminal acts have nothing to do with religion or belief.

In response to a question asked during the daily briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, a note to reporters issued by Ban’s spokesperson said the Secretary-General condemns the attack by two gunmen who opened fire and injured a security guard in Texas on Sunday.

According to news reports, the shooting incident took place in the Dallas suburb of Garland outside a venue hosting a controversial cartoon exhibit.

The Secretary-General in his statement reiterated that such criminal acts have nothing to do with religion or belief.

“Ideas must only be defended through democratic debate and dialogue. There is no justification for violence,” said the note.

“The Secretary-General underlines that freedom of expression and tolerance are essential elements of peaceful societies and must be strongly upheld,” said the note, which added that Mr. Ban recalled the importance of promoting intercultural dialogue and respect as crucial means to prevent and address extremism.

“The Secretary-General wishes the injured security guard a swift recovery,” the note concludes.

UN Photo/Mark Garten (file)