30 September 2009 - I was dismayed to learn of yet another roadside blast yesterday in Maywand District, in Kandahar province.

پشتو و دری

The explosion resulted in the death of a high number of civilians, including women and children, as they travelled by bus to Kandahar city. This is the fourth such incident in as many weeks to claim the lives of many innocent Afghans.

I appeal to those carrying out these attacks to bring an immediate end to these brutal, senseless actions which result in the loss of innocent civilian lives. The persistent and indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks adds to an ever-increasing death toll.

I appeal, therefore, to all responsible parties to respect core humanitarian principles and take measures to mitigate the impact of the conflict on civilians.