Annan condemns attacks on UN and partners in western Afghanistan

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has condemned today's attacks against United Nations offices, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the Independent Human Rights Commission in strife-torn western Afghanistan's Herat province.

“As stated by President Hamid Karzai, these attacks, perpetrated by a tiny group who tries to undermine the Government's efforts to restore security and stability in this part of the country, are rejected with indignation by the population of Herat and the people of Afghanistan,” the Secretary-General said in a statement released by his spokesman in New York.

He pledged the UN's firm commitment to support the Afghan peace process “in all fields – humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, democratization and institution-building.”

The statement also called on all concerned, including Afghan and international security forces, to help create a safe environment for Afghanistan's upcoming election.

Over 10 million Afghans have registered to vote in the 9 October presidential poll.