KABUL - I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the victims, all civilians, who once again suffered indescribable loss today. Today’s attack on a peaceful funeral procession is morally reprehensible and bereft of humanity.

I urge everyone not to respond to violence with more violence. The attack today, conducted by those opportunistically seeking to use these very fragile moments to destabilize Afghanistan, follows so much violence this week across the country -- in Khost, in Kabul and in other provinces. In the context of so much suffering, now is the time to seek unity and solidarity.

I have spoken with a broad spectrum of Afghanistan’s political leaders, highlighting the importance of unity. They agreed that working together is essential to stop the cycle of violence. Calm is now called for. Ensuring security in Kabul is an urgent priority, as this city continues to experience the highest number of civilian casualties.

As I have repeatedly said, the ultimate objective in Afghanistan must be a negotiated peace. Meaningful steps must take place now to obtain an immediate, nationwide halt to violence. I encourage all parties to enter discussions toward that end. The United Nations stands ready to help.

I continue to urge all members of the international community to help put an end this cycle of violence and support the foundations of a lasting peace. The upcoming Kabul meeting on regional peace and security provides an immediate opportunity to do so. I am in constant contact with members of the diplomatic community to work together to ensure coherent support.

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Tadamichi Yamamoto is the United Nations Secretary-General's Special representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)