Secretary-General Condemns Attack by Taliban on Civilians in Northern Afghanistan, Calls for Peaceful Settlement of Differences

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the attack, claimed by the Taliban, on the city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan today.  Such attacks on civilians and civilian facilities are a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.

The assault on Kunduz follows a horrific attack by anti-Government elements on a volleyball game in Paktika province on 27 September, which killed at least 17 civilians, including 15 children, and injured at least 60 others.  The Secretary-General conveys to the Government of Afghanistan his deepest sympathy and his deepest condolences to the families of all the victims and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General emphasises the need for a peaceful settlement of differences, in the interests of building a stronger and stable future for the people of Afghanistan and the region as a whole.