U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the death of Osama bin Laden is a watershed moment in the common global fight against terrorism.
In a statement to reporters, Ban said the crimes of al-Qaida touched most continents, bringing tragedy and loss of thousands of men, women and children. He added the United Nations condemns in the strongest possible terms terrorism in all forms, regardless of its purpose and wherever it is committed.
"The United Nations will continue to fight against terrorism and will lead this campaign to fight against terrorism. I remember personally, vividly, the day of September 11, 2001. I was in New York on that dark day. The United Nations is committed to continue to lead this campaign with world leaders to fight against international terrorism."
Ban said he is very much relieved by the news that justice has been done to who he called a mastermind of international terrorism.
Regarding the impact of bin Laden’s death on United Nations strategy in Afghanistan, U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said there must be a political solution to the conflict.
"The Taliban and other anti-government elements have an opportunity to move toward a dialogue and this opportunity should not be lost. The cost in lives lost and suffering of the Afghan people is too high already."
The U.N. spokesman told reporters the United Nations will continue to support the Afghan-led peace efforts.
