Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Kai Eide

28 Oct 2009

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Kai Eide

KABUL  - This is a very dark day for the UN in Afghanistan. I strongly condemn the attack this morning on a guest house here in Kabul, for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility.  - UN Radio report

This brutal attack has cost the lives of at least five UN staff and injured at least nine others. I can of course not provide more details concerning nationalities or names at this stage. My profound condolences go to the families and friends of those who have been victims of this attack. However, this is a tragic loss to each and every member of the UN family in Afghanistan.

The UN has been in Afghanistan for more than half a century. We have been here to serve the Afghan people. Such attacks by any insurgency group are therefore not only an attack against the UN family but also against the Afghan people and those who need our help the most.

This attack will not deter the UN from continuing all its work to reconstruct a war torn country and to build a better future for all Afghans. We will remain committed to the people of Afghanistan. We do of course review our security measures regularly in light of the prevailing security situation. We will in light of this morning’s tragedy look at whether other appropriate measures need to be taken to protect all our staff.

Finally, let me express my gratitude to the Afghan authorities for the assistance they have given us and for all the expressions of condolences we have received. Now I ask you all to give us the space and time we need to grieve and reflect on this tragic incident.