KABUL (PAN): The United Nations has decided to reduce the number of its international staff in Afghanistan mainly because of security reasons.

Official sources told Pajhwok Afghan News the decision regarding withdrawal of international staff would be implemented from Thursday.

The decision was taken in the aftermath of the last week attack on a UN guest house in heavily fortified Sherpur locality of the capital. The attack claimed lives of four foreigners, two local intelligence officials and one civilian. Thirteen more people, including eight foreigners, sustained injuries.

A source at the office of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said withdrawal of international staff would begin from today. He said the decision was taken for security reasons.

According to source UN had 1,300 foreign staff members in Afghanistan. Their number would be reduced to 400 from now on, he remarked.

UNAMA spokesman Nazeefullah Salarzai said the office wanted to reduce the number of its international staffer, but a decision had not been taken about the exact number. "Only those staffers will be leaving the country, who are not urgently needed here," Salarzai added.

He said head of the UN mission in Kabul Kai Eide would address a news conference this afternoon to provide the latest information and details of the UN decision.

Meanwhile, a statement from UNAMA this morning said they were taking 'additional measures' to ensure security of their staffers, both local and international, in Afghanistan.

The statement did not disclose details of the proposed 'additional measures' for security reasons. Vowing its continued support and assistance for Afghanistan, the UNAMA office said the security steps were being taken to block the way of disturbance in their ongoing activities.

dk