Security Council expresses deep concern at humanitarian situation in Afghanistan

Deeply concerned at the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the United Nations Security Council tonight expressed appreciation for the relief aid offered by many countries.

Meeting this evening at the request of the United States and the United Kingdom, the Council heard a briefing by representatives from both countries on the military action that was launched yesterday in Afghanistan.

Addressing the press after the meeting, Council President Richard Ryan of Ireland said the US and British delegates had told the Council that the strikes had been taken in self-defence and directed at terrorists and those who harboured them. The delegates also stressed that every effort was made to avoid civilian casualties, and that the bombings were in no way a strike against the people of Afghanistan, Islam or the Muslim world.

The Council members will meet tomorrow morning to further discuss the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of refugees.