Norway condemns killing of UN workers in Afghanistan

“The Norwegian Government condemns in the strongest terms today’s attack on a UN compound in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan, in which a Norwegian UN worker was among those who were killed,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“Today’s attack on the UN compound is not only an attack on the UN and the international community, but also on the future of the Afghan people,” said Minister of Defence Grete Faremo.

The defence authorities have confirmed that it was Lieutenant Colonel Siri Skare (53) who was killed in the attack on the UN compound in Mazar-e-Sharif. “Our thoughts and sympathy go to the families of those who were killed,” said Ms Faremo.

UN and international aid workers are increasingly the target of assaults, and the humanitarian aid effort has become increasingly more difficult in the past few years. The Afghan authorities are to assume more and more responsibility for governance and development in the country in the years ahead and will continue to have a great need for international development assistance.

“The UN is in Afghanistan to help rebuild the country. It is completely meaningless that UN workers should be killed while carrying out their humanitarian mission. This is a brutal assault on the basic principles of humanity and compassion,” said Mr Støre.

“It is important that the international community now stand united with our Afghan partner against the destructive forces responsible for today’s attack,” said Mr Støre.