Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Murder of a UN Worker in Afghanistan

November 17, 2003

I cannot suppress my strong indignation at the news of the workers in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) who were either killed or injured in Ghazni, in the southeastern part of Afghanistan, in the afternoon of November 16 (Sun) (Japan time: around 17:30). Japan extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and those concerned of the UNHCR and prays for a quick recovery for the injured.
Japan strongly condemns such a contemptible and barbarous act targeting the staff of international organizations in Afghanistan that are striving for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.
The Government of Japan is determined to continue making efforts for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan, in concert with the rest of the international community.

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