Special Representative Kai Eide on assassination of a Wolesi Jirga member

15 Mar 2009

Special Representative Kai Eide on assassination of a Wolesi Jirga member

5 July 2008 - It is with great sadness that I have today learnt of the assassination of Haji Habibullah, Wolesi Jirga member for Kandahar province.

Dari - Pashto

It is with great sadness that I have today learnt of the assassination of Haji Habibullah, Wolesi Jirga member for Kandahar province.  This attack represents an assault on the democratic will of the Afghan people who voted in their millions for peace, stability and progress during historic elections in 1384 (2005).

The attack also underlines the risks faced by dedicated parliamentarians as they work to create a new future for the people of Afghanistan.  We urge Afghan authorities to do their utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice and call on them to step up protection for all parliamentarians representing communities across Afghanistan.

Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and constituents of Haji Habibullah at this difficult time.