Statement by the Secretary-General on the death of UN staff members in Kabul, Afghanistan

31 Oct 2009

Statement by the Secretary-General on the death of UN staff members in Kabul, Afghanistan

KABUL - I am deeply shocked and outraged by the cowardly attack on a guest house in central Kabul today, which killed five UN staff and injured a number of others.

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the despicable and brutal killing, for which the Taleban has claimed responsibility in an apparent effort to disrupt the second round of the presidential election.

My deepest condolences go to the families and friends of the victims who were viciously killed as they sought to serve the people of Afghanistan. This indeed is a loss to all members of the UN family working together to support Afghanistan at this critical juncture. The United Nations remains committed to continue its work in the country as the Afghan people strive for a better future.