15 January 2008 - Last night's attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul is a matter of very great concern to us, representing as it does a deliberate targeting of foreign guests and Afghan civilians working together in support of Afghanistan.

Dari - Pashto

The international community has been present here for many years, enjoying the hospitality and generosity of its Afghan hosts. Its work is driven by the shared belief that peace and progress must prevail over war and suffering. This was an attack on those values, and a senseless crime under both national and international laws.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemns this atrocity. We call on all in the community, Afghan and foreign, to join with us in redoubling our commitment to the cause of peace for Afghanistan.

I offer my deep condolences to all those who have been affected, and salute the bravery of the guards, hotel staff, and police whose actions may well have prevented an even greater toll of dead and wounded.