We have learnt with regret that as a result of the terrorist attack perpetrated yesterday (28 May) against the governor’s office in Taloqan, capital of Takhar province in northern Afghanistan, Afghanistan National Police Commander General for the Northern Region Lieutenant General Dawood Dawood and Provincial Police Chief Shah Jahan Noori as well as two ISAF-member German soldiers died and Afghan and ISAF personnel including Takhar Governor Abdul Jabar Taqwa and ISAF Regional Command North Commander Major General Markus Kneip were wounded. We wish mercy upon those who lost their lives, convey our condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and wish speedy recovery to those wounded as a result of this terrorist act.

We strongly condemn this heinous attack aimed at disrupting the efforts towards peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Afghan people, having been face to face with war, conflict and destruction for more than three decades highly deserve peace and stability. We firmly believe that the Afghan people, by enhancing their unity and solidarity, will give the most resolute and meaningful response to such acts.