SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS IN STRONGEST TERMS ATTACK ON AFGHANISTAN’S PRESIDENT

The following statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued on  27 April in Bern:

I condemn in the strongest terms the attack against President Karzai that occurred at a victory parade in Kabul today.  The attack resulted in the deaths of two members of Parliament and injuries to nine other bystanders, including two Afghan National Police.

This attack against the legitimate institutions of the Afghan State and the Afghan people is unacceptable.  I would like to express again the United Nations support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan through legitimate State institutions, in a manner that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable and that provides both justice and security.  I call on the international community and the Afghan Government to continue their joint efforts towards these goals, undeterred by vicious attacks such as the one today.  I congratulate the Afghan security forces for reacting quickly to the attack, preventing further loss of life, and protecting the Afghan officials and foreign diplomats attending the event.

I send my condolences to the families of those killed and my best wishes for a swift recovery to the injured lawmakers, and my sympathies to President Karzai and his Government.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record