Attack On Indian Embassy, Kabul A 'Cowardly Crime'

Attack on Indian embassy in Kabul 'cowardly and heinous,' declares UN envoy

7 July 2008 - The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has condemned today's suicide attack outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul, which reportedly killed over 40 people and injured more than 100, as a "cowardly and heinous crime."

"In no culture, no country, and no religion is there any excuse or justification for such acts," declared Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"The total disregard for innocent lives is staggering and those behind this must be held responsible," he added.

Also condemning the attack, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated that "no political agenda or grievance can justify such reprehensible means."

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban urged that those responsible be brought to justice.

Today's attack follows the murder two days ago of Haji Habibullah, a member of Parliament from the southern Kandahar province, and is the latest among a number of deadly incidents in the strife-torn nation in recent months, including an assassination attempt against President Hamid Karzai in April and a suicide bombing at Kabul's Serena hotel in January that killed eight people.

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FULL STATEMENT

New York, 7 July 2008 - Statement atttributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the bombing in Afghanistan

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the suicide bombing in Kabul today, which took place in the vicinity of the Afghan Ministry of Interior and the Indian Embassy. A reported 40 people were killed, including numerous civilians and several Indian Embassy guards.

The perpetrators of this attack targeted innocent civilians. The Secretary-General reiterates that no political agenda or grievance can justify such reprehensible means. He urges that those responsible be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General sends his deepest sympathy to the Governments of Afghanistan and India, his condolences to the families of those killed, and his best wishes for a rapid recovery to those who were injured.

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ENDS

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