NEW YORK - Before we begin, let me say just a few words about the terrorist attack near the UN offices in Kandahar early this morning.

As you may know, a car bomb was exploded at the gate of a local NGO that shares a common wall with the UNHCR compound. When the wall collapsed, suicide attackers entered the UN premises. Three UN security guards were killed and two others were wounded. Two security contractors were killed as well.

Like others before it, this attack underscores the risks that UN and international aid workers face in Afghanistan. I would like to emphasize, once again, that this work is purely humanitarian. Its sole purpose is to improve the daily lives of the country’s people.

Our thoughts this morning are with the victims and their families.