Security Council Press Statement on Attack on Afghan Parliament in Kabul

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ramlan Bin Ibrahim (Malaysia):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack of today, 22 June, on the Afghan Parliament in Kabul for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility.

The members of the Security Council deplored the civilian casualties which resulted from the attack and expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims and to the Government and people of Afghanistan.  They wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The members of the Security Council condemned the blatant disrespect to democracy and rule of law that such an attack against the elected representatives of the people of Afghanistan constitutes and commended the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces for their effective action.

The members of the Security Council reiterated its call to all parties in the conflict to refrain from attacking civilians and to abide by international law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that no violent or terrorist acts can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the Government of Afghanistan and by the international community.