27 April 2008 - I condemn in the strongest terms the attack against President Karzai that occurred at a victory parade in Kabul today. This attack against the legitimate institutions of the Afghan state and the Afghan people is unacceptable.

Dari & Pashto

I would like to express again the United Nations’ support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan through legitimate state institutions, in a manner that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable and that provides both justice and security.

I call on the international community and the Afghan Government to continue their joint efforts towards these goals, undeterred by vicious attacks such as the one today.

I congratulate the Afghan security forces for reacting quickly to the attack, preventing further loss of life, and protecting the Afghan officials and foreign diplomats attending the event.

I send my condolences to the families of those killed and my best wishes for a swift recovery to the injured lawmakers, and my sympathies to President Karzai and his Government.