Kabul attack widely condemned

KABUL.

UN’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the terrorist attack on compound of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

 “He (Ban) notes that Afghan security forces have been responding to the attack, for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility,” said a statement attributable to his spokesperson.

He said Ban greatly regretted the casualties to Afghans and to international aid workers caught in the attack, the statement said, adding that the Secretary General extended his heartfelt sympathies to those injured.

“He calls upon all parties to make every effort to bring the violence to an end and work towards sustainable peace in Afghanistan,” the statement said.

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, described the attack as cowardly. “This was a cowardly attack, demonstrating that the insurgents continue to have complete disregard for human life. Those responsible must be held accountable to the Afghan people for this injustice,” he said.

He said Canada continued to work together with the Afghan government and the international community to help build a more stable and secure Afghanistan.

The NATO and US troops top commander in Afghanistan strongly condemned the suicide and direct fire attack near a National Directorate Security-run hospital and the headquarters of the Afghan Public Protection Force on Friday.

“The insurgents have repeatedly shown little regard for innocent civilians and the future of Afghanistan as demonstrated by attacks such as these.  Their actions fly in the face of their claim that they are looking to avoid civilian casualties,” said General Joseph F. Dunford said in a statement.

“I express my condolences to the victims and their families.  I condemn in the strongest sense of the word the actions of the insurgents.  The attack, which was in close proximity to a children’s hospital, shows the enemy’s complete lack of morals and respect for human life,” Dunford said.

He commended the professionalism of Afghan security forces who responded to the incident. “Their prompt and effective action saved the lives of other innocent Afghans and members of the international community,” Dunford said.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kabul also condemned the complex attack that apparently targeted the International Organization for Migration. “Our thoughts are with the staff of an organization dedicated to helping Afghans. This assault once again demonstrates the insurgents continued campaign against a better future for Afghanistan,” the embassy said in a statement.

“We commend Afghan National Security Forces for the swift and effective response to this attack. As the Afghan government continues to take full responsibility for its security, the enemies of Afghanistan are finding a highly capable Afghan force protecting its people.”

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