Statement by the President of the Security Council

31 Oct 2009

Statement by the President of the Security Council

KABUL - At the 6211th meeting of the Security Council, held on 29 October 2009, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in Afghanistan”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council expresses its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Kabul on 28 October 2009 and offers its condolences to the Secretary-General and the families of the victims.

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack and continue to attempt to destabilize the country.

“The Security Council expresses its strong support for the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and all United Nations personnel in fulfilling their difficult but important tasks, further expresses solidarity with United Nations staff on the ground, and commends the determination of the United Nations not to be deterred by the tragic incident and to carry on its mission in Afghanistan.

“The Security Council stresses the need to ensure security of United Nations staff and its support to this end. The Security Council expresses support for the measures already taken by the Secretary-General in this regard and looks forward to the further detailed proposals by him.

“The Security Council expresses its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and its support for the upcoming run-off presidential elections which should be carried out as scheduled with the continued support of the United Nations.

“The Security Council renews its commitment to assisting Afghanistan on its path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction.”