7 July 2008

Arg, Kabul – His Excellency Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, strongly condemned today's terrorist attack in Kabul.

Early this morning, a suicide bomber rammed his car full of explosives into the gates of the Indian embassy in Kabul, martyring more than 30 innocent civilians and injuring many more, including women and children.

In his reaction to the incident, the President said, "This abominable act of terrorism is the work of the enemies of Afghanistan's friendship with India and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.   The enemies of peace and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan attempted to hamper further expansion of relationship between Afghanistan and countries of the world, especially India, that work for the sake of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan."

"India has made a significant contribution to development and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Resorting to these types of hellish acts will not damage the friendly relationship between Afghanistan and India."

The President was deeply saddened by the loss of Indian Embassy's Defence Attaché, its Counsellor and two other Indians and more than 40 innocent Afghan civilians. The President, on behalf of the people of Afghanistan, expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of India, and prayed for the full and speedy recovery of the injured.

The President instructed the relevant authorities to provide financial assistance to the victims of today's terrorist attack and to take action immediately to treat the injured.

Office of the Spokesman to the President

7 July 2008

MOFA - The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly condemns today morning terrorist attack on the embassy of the friend and brother country, India.

Afghanistan’s government offers its profound condolences to the government and the people of India.

Foreign Minster Spanta visited the scene, minutes after the bombing attacks while expressing his condolences and sympathies to the government and people of India stated, “The elements of this incident are the common enemies of humanity and, of historic relations of Afghanistan and India.”

“Afghanistan firmly believes that the historic ties between the two countries are more profound that can be affected by such unfortunate incidents.”

“India which stands with the Afghan people in the most difficult days of our history and Afghanistan are determined to continue the fight against this menace with the rest of international community until the complete elimination of this threat.”

Minister Spanta also offered his condolences to those Afghans who lost their lives and wished the martyrs paradise and speedy recovery for the injureds.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kabul, 7.7.08