“In areas where there is conflict, it is clearly important that everything possible is done to ensure the safety of civilians, as well as ensuring safety for UN and other humanitarian workers,” UN Assistance Mission in Afganistan (UNAMA) Adrian Edwards told a news briefing in Kabul, the capital.

“Regarding the safety of UN staff here, we have heard rumors over the past few days that the UN is evacuating its offices in the south. This is incorrect. What is certainly true is that insecurity presents problems to our work, and realistically over the next three months or so insecurity seems likely to continue.

“If staff can’t get out to do their work, we will assess staff levels and move people to places where they can be more effective and useful,” he added.

On the question of Pakistani-Afghan relations, Mr. Edwards stressed the need for cooperation.

Mr. Edwards was continually pressed about the possible closure of UN offices in the south as fighting between rebels and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) intensifies.

“Let me be absolutely clear about this - there is no decision to close UN offices in the south. The option always remains for the UN to move staff to other places if they can be more effective there. But if that’s happening we’ll let you know,” he declared.