Security Council

6211^th Meeting (PM)

Security Council Strongly Condemns Taliban for Terrorist Attack

Which Took Lives of United Nations Personnel in Kabul

 

Presidential Statement Also Commends Resolve to Continue Afghanistan Mission

The Security Council this afternoon condemned, in the strongest terms, the Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the 28 October terrorist attack that took the lives of several United Nations staff members and others in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Through a statement read out by Le Luong Minh of Viet Nam, which holds the Council presidency for October, Council members expressed their solidarity with United Nations staff on the ground and stressed the need to ensure their security.

Commending the determination of the United Nations not to be deterred by the tragic incident and to carry on its mission in Afghanistan, the Council renewed its commitment to assist the country on its path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction.  It affirmed its view that the run-off presidential elections should be carried out as scheduled with the Organization’s support.

The meeting began at 4:25 p.m. and adjourned at 4:27 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the presidential statement contained in document S/PRST/2009/28 reads as follows:

“The Security Council expresses its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Kabul on 28 October 2009 and offers its condolences to the Secretary-General and the families of the victims.

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack and continue to attempt to destabilize the country.

“The Security Council expresses its strong support for the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and all United Nations personnel in fulfilling their difficult but important tasks, further expresses solidarity with United Nations staff on the ground, and commends the determination of the United Nations not to be deterred by the tragic incident and to carry on its mission in Afghanistan.

“The Security Council stresses the need to ensure security of United Nations staff and its support to this end.  The Security Council expresses support for the measures already taken by the Secretary-General in this regard and looks forward to the further detailed proposals by him.

“The Security Council expresses its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and its support for the upcoming run-off presidential elections which should be carried out as scheduled with the continued support of the United Nations.

“The Security Council renews its commitment to assisting Afghanistan on its path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction.”

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For information media • not an official record