ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed received phone calls from the leaders of various Arab states who offered their condolences on the death of five Emiratis performing humanitarian duties in Afghanistan.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces spoke to King Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, King Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, emir of Qatar, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, President Omar Al Bashir of Sudan, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the crown prince, deputy prime minister and minister of interior of Saudi Arabia, and President Michel Aoun of Lebanon.
They each expressed their sympathies to the UAE leadership, government and people as well as to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Arab leaders condemned the attack and voiced their support and solidarity with the UAE to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The United Nations joined them in condemnation and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said: “Indiscriminate attacks against civilians, including diplomatic envoys, are violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and cannot be justified.”
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said as many as 13 civilians were killed in the explosion at the Kandahar Provincial Governor’s residence where he was hosting a dinner for visiting diplomats and dignitaries.
“Such unprincipled, unlawful and deplorable attacks cause immense human suffering and make the peace that Afghans need and deserve even more difficult to achieve,” said Pernille Kardel, the Secretary-General’s deputy special representative for Afghanistan.
“Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable,” said Ms Kardel, who is also acting head of UNAMA.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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