UN deplores deadly attacks against government offices in Kabul

The United Nations today strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against government buildings in the Afghan capital, Kabul, which took the lives of at least 20 people and injured many more, calling for the punishment of those responsible.

Noting that the Taliban had claimed responsibility, the Security Council underlined the need to bring “the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism” to justice.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated their concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, illegal armed groups, criminals and those involved in the illicit narcotics production and trafficking, to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan,” Council president for February, Ambassador Yukio Takasu of Japan, said in a press statement.

The 15-member body reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, asserting that “no terrorist act can reverse the path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the Government of Afghanistan and the international community.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was appalled by the attacks against people and institutions that are committed to building a better future for Afghanistan, his spokesperson said in a statement.

“This horrendous crime was committed against innocent civilians with total disrespect for human life and dignity. The United Nations stands shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan people and Government in condemning today’s attacks,” the statement added.

Mr. Ban’s top envoy to the country also highlighted the fact that the attacks targeted those working to build a better Afghanistan.

“The civil servants that were killed and wounded were serving the people of Afghanistan. Other civilians have also lost their lives. My thoughts are with their families,” said Special Representative Kai Eide, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

A suicide bombing which struck near several embassies in Kabul last month killed at least two civilians and wounded dozens more.