NEW YORK - The Secretary-General [Ban Ki-moon] condemns the suicide attack that took place on 11 June in Kabul on civilian government workers in the environs of the Supreme Court building. The attack, for which the Taliban claimed responsibility, was timed and located to maximise civilian casualties and killed at least 17 civilians, wounding some 40 more.

Targeted attacks against civilians are unacceptable and a serious breach of international humanitarian law. The Secretary-General calls upon those responsible to immediately halt such attacks which only add further to the suffering of the Afghan people.

The Secretary-General sends his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and expresses his hope for the swift recovery of those injured.