The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan noted, with deep regret, the recent remarks by the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

The Russian Foreign Minister told a news briefing after talks with NATO Secretary General that terrorists trained in basis inside Afghanistan are
targeting Central Asian States.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly rejects claims regarding the presence of terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and considers such allegations as totally baseless.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, a victim of terrorism itself, is on the frontline of the war against terrorism and is committed to continue the
fight to remove this international menace.

Afghanistan expects countries of the region to sincerely join in the efforts to eliminate terrorist elements.

Released by the Office of the Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Kabul, Afghanistan - June 25, 2005