NEW YORK - The Secretary-General condemns today’s lethal attacks against an election campaign rally in Takhar Province and a candidate’s office in Herat Province in Afghanistan. He extends his deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The deliberate targeting of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law. In the run up to the parliamentary elections on 20 October, the Secretary-General urges all parties to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process by creating a safe environment for political candidates to campaign and for citizens to exercise their right to assemble and vote.