Press Release

Eight United Nations soldiers were killed in an attack on Friday 1st of April 2011 in Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan, after members of the local population protested against the burning of a copy of the Koran by a US pastor.

I strongly condemn the despicable act of burning of the Holy Koran by the US pastor in Florida. Such a reprehensible act could only provoke discord among communities and people across the world. The act by the US pastor has deeply hurt the feelings of Muslims all over the world. I also condemn, in the strongest terms, the attack on United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's office in Mazar-e-Sharif. I am extremely saddened to know that the attack has resulted in the death of eight innocent United Nations’ workers, including a Norwegian and a Swedish citizen.
 
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is solely focused on working in support of the Afghan people and there is no reason for such a vicious and tragic action. I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the United Nations’ workers who lost their loved ones in the incident in Mazar-e-Sharif and I pray for the full recovery of those who are wounded.