Appeals For Calm Following Deadly Herat Violence

Afghanistan: Top Un Envoy Appeals For Calm Following Deadly Violence In Herat

The top United Nations envoy in Afghanistan appealed today to all parties to restore law and order in the western city of Herat where deadly violence yesterday claimed the life of Aviation and Tourism Minister Mirwais Siddiq, among others.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Jean Arnault noted "with grave concern" that, while fighting had subsided somewhat, the house of Chief Justice Khodad was burned by protesters today.

"No one was hurt in the act, but this attack raises the urgent issue of protecting the life and property of civilian leaders, no matter what their views might be," Mr. Arnault said in statement issued by his spokesman.

He called upon all parties involved in the confrontation "to exercise restraint, to protect the lives of civilians, to do all in their power to reduce tensions in the city and to allow the restoration of law and order."

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