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Annan calls on all parties to minimize civilian casualties in Afghanistan

Annan calls on all parties to minimize civilian casualties in Afghanistan

Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Amid the emerging reports about casualties among the civilian population in Afghanistan, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced regret over the tragic loss of life caused by the intensified conflict in the country and stressed that all concerned must work for the protection of innocent civilians and humanitarian workers.

"I exhort all parties to take all possible precautions to minimize civilian casualties," said Mr. Annan in a statement released in New York. "As the world unites in the fight against international terrorism, we must, at the same time, do everything possible to protect innocent civilian populations."

The Secretary-General said that the reports of casualties "remind us that, in times of military action, every effort must be made to protect the lives and integrity of the civilian population within Afghanistan as well as of those Afghan and other humanitarian workers still operating in the country."

"I have also been dismayed to receive reports that in recent days the Taliban have harassed and beaten up national Afghan staff working for UN humanitarian agencies," said Mr. Annan. "Equally disturbing, a crowd burned down the UNICEF office and attacked the facilities of other UN bodies in Quetta, Pakistan."

The Secretary-General warned that endangering the lives of humanitarian workers and destroying equipment and humanitarian supplies seriously compromises the UN's ability to offer urgently needed assistance to all vulnerable populations.