NEW YORK - The Secretary-General strongly condemns the horrifying bomb attack in Kabul today, responsibility for which was claimed by the Taliban.

The deliberate targeting of civilians constitutes a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime.

The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

He reaffirms the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of Afghanistan.