Suicide bombing in Kabul widely condemned

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The US and the United Nation Security Council (UNSC), EU, UNAMA and Pakistan that killed 20 people and injured 45 thers.

The White House on Tuesday denounced the attack, as the national security advisor reaffirmed his continued support for Afghanistan and the bilateral strategic partnership.

“We have our eyes on Kabul today, following the tragic suicide bombing that killed at least 19 Afghan civilians,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily news conference.

This morning, he said, General (R) Michael Flynn spoke with the Afghan national security adviser to reaffirm America’s continued support for Afghanistan and for their strategic partnership.

“We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest possible terms, and we commend the Afghan security forces for their rapid response,” he remarked.

“We also reaffirmed our support for the Afghan government as they work to defend their people and against enemies of peace,” Spicer said.

In a statement, the Security Council also condemned the “heinous and cowardly terrorist attack” in Kabul. UNSC members expressed concern over the threat posed by Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS.

“The 15-member body reiterates its serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, ISIL/Daesh and illegal and armed groups to the local population, security forces and the international presence in Afghanistan.”

Underlining the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, the Security Council urged all states to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities.

It urged all countries to combat by all means, in accordance with the UN Charter and other obligations under international law, in particular international human rights and refugee laws, threats to peace and security.

“The members of the Security Council reiterate that no violent or terrorist acts can reverse the Afghan-led process along the path towards peace, democracy and stability,” the statement said.

Pakistan also strongly condemned the suicide attack outside Supreme Court of Afghanistan on 7 February 2017 that has led to loss of twenty precious human lives and left more than 40 injured, a statement from the foreign office said on Wednesday.

The people and the Government of Pakistan extend their heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the Government and people of Afghanistan and to the bereaved families, the statement said.

“We pray for early recovery of injured. We firmly stand with our Afghan brothers in this hour of grief and anguish.”

The European Union (EU) condemned yesterday's attack on afghanistan's SC staff

Employees of the Afghan Supreme Court have again been a target of a despicable attack, which has claimed the lives of at least 20 innocent people and many others injured. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed, and we wish those who have been injured a speedy recovery, the EU statement said.

A functioning justice system will guarantee the respect of the Afghan constitution and is of utmost importance for a democratic and peaceful Afghanistan. The EU stood by the Afghan authorities and calls on all Afghans to stay united in support of our combined efforts to fight the global threat of terrorism.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned Tuesday’s suicide attack in Kabul which killed at least 20 civilians and injured more than 40 others. Many of those killed and wounded were women, most of them female Supreme Court employees, according to a statement from the UN mission.      

“This attack appears to have deliberately targeted civilian judicial staff as they were leaving the office for the day,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA. “This attack is nothing short of an atrocity. Those responsible for planning and carrying out this horrendous act must be brought to justice.” 

UNAMA noted with concern a pattern of attacks against judicial authorities in recent years. Since the beginning of 2015 alone, UNAMA has documented 74 attacks targeting judges, prosecutors and judicial staff, which have resulted in 89 dead and 214 injured. It reminded all parties that judges and staff of civilian courts – including the Supreme Court – are civilians. Attacks intentionally targeting civilians are tantamount to war crimes.

UNAMA expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.  

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