SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS IN STRONGEST TERMS SUICIDE BOMBING IN AFGHANISTAN TODAY

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the suicide bombing in Kabul today, which took place in the vicinity of the Afghan Ministry of Interior and the Indian Embassy.  A reported 40 people were killed, including numerous civilians and several Indian Embassy guards.

The perpetrators of this attack targeted innocent civilians.  The Secretary-General reiterates that no political agenda or grievance can justify such reprehensible means.  He urges that those responsible be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General sends his deepest sympathy to the Governments of Afghanistan and India, his condolences to the families of those killed and his best wishes for a rapid recovery to those who were injured.

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For information media • not an official record