Secretary-General's press encounter following his informal briefing to the General Assembly

SG: I have requested additional funding to augment the security and safety capacity of the United Nations premises and staff. It is absolutely necessary at this time. I am very much encouraged by the unreserved support and cooperation of the Member States. They said that they will positively consider my additional budgetary support. This is not only budgetary support –we need political, moral, logistical and financial support. This is not the issue of Afghanistan only. We have experienced such terrorist attacks all around the world. The United Nations, unfortunately, has been exposed, has become a sort of “softer” target. We are working to bring hope. We are working to help those people in need. Therefore, it is totally unacceptable that the United Nations has become targeted by terrorist attackers. I am very much committed to continue to work. We will continue to function in Afghanistan, and I am very grateful to Member States for their strong support at this time of difficulty.

Thank you very much.