UNITED NATIONS, Oct 9: The UN Security Council strongly condemned on Friday the string of attacks this week in Pakistan and Egypt as well as the beheading of a British civilian in Baghdad.

In a presidential statement, Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry of the United Kingdom, who holds the council's presidency this month, said the 15-member body "reaffirmed their view that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever and by whomsoever committed".

Earlier in the day, the council unanimously adopted resolution 1566 which calls upon all countries to prosecute or extradite anyone not already on a list of those belonging to or affiliated with Al Qaeda or Taliban found supporting or participating in any terrorist acts.

Ambassador Parry said the text reaffirmed the UN's central role in the fight against terrorism as well as the council's determination 'to stand together in confronting the scourge of terrorism'.

The council urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 which was adopted in the wake of Sept 11, 2001, attacks in the United States and other relevant council resolutions to cooperate actively in their efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of terrorist acts, he added.

The council members also expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the attacks and their families, he said.