17 February  2008 - The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide bombing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, today that killed an estimated 80 people.

Dari & Pashto

This attack is yet another tragic reminder of the insecurity in Afghanistan that is undermining concerted attempts by the Government of Afghanistan to rebuild the country after decades of war with the assistance of the international community.

The contrast between those who take innocent lives so brutally and senselessly and those working with Afghanistan’s Government and people to build a better future, could not be more stark.

No grievance or political purpose can justify such attacks. The Secretary-General sends his condolences to the families of those killed, his hopes for a swift recovery to those injured and his sympathies to President Karzai and his Government on this tragic occasion.