The Special Representative extends his deepest sympathy to Mr. Munguia’s family, friends and ICRC colleagues.

The late Mr. Munguia, like every member of the international community in Afghanistan, was here for the sole purpose of helping the neediest to improve their living conditions. Those who target humanitarian workers in such a manner are the enemies of the people of Afghanistan. Such an act is an affront to the religion, culture and tradition of this country.

UNAMA takes note of the fact that the Government promptly deployed a large contingent of security forces to the area where this criminal act was perpetrated.

The SRSG met with President Hamid Karzai and with Minister of Interior Ali Ahmad Jalali to discuss this case. He conveyed to the President the expectation of the Secretary-General of the United Nations that the authorities will make every effort to find and bring to justice those responsible for this criminal act.

Deputy Special Representative Nigel Fisher is also meeting with local authorities and leaders in the south as well as with UN agencies and NGOs in order to review the impact of this brutal act.

In honor of Mr. Munguia’s memory and in solidarity with our ICRC colleagues, UN road missions in the affected area have been temporarily suspended until Monday evening. This period will also allow the United Nations to review the security situation and consider how best to improve security measures necessary for continued operations in this region.