NEW YORK - The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide attack earlier today against the UN compound in the western city of Herat, Afghanistan, where staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and other UN agencies are housed. No fatalities among the UN staff have been reported although regrettably there are wounded security guards. A number of assailants were killed in the attack and the United Nations is conducting a full investigation.

The Secretary-General wholeheartedly commends the immediate in extremis support rendered by units of the Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) whose prompt action stabilized the situation and undoubtedly saved the lives of United Nations staff members in the compound.

The United Nations will continue to maintain its presence and programmes in Herat for the benefit of the population in need and in support of the Afghan authorities.