SG/SM/9458
            AFG/261
            31 AUGUST 2004

Secretary-General, Deeply Concerned by Violent Attacks in Afghanistan, Calls for Necessary Safety, Security for Electoral Workers

NEW YORK, 30 August (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the violent attacks that were carried out on Sunday in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and in Paktia province.  He is particularly troubled by the high toll of dead and wounded, including children.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Afghanistan, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-led International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan (ISAF), and the coalition forces to take the necessary safety and security measures to support those working on the ongoing electoral process.

The Secretary-General expresses his profound condolences to the bereaved families.

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