The Special Representative strongly condemns yet another tragic and unacceptable act and calls on all relevant authorities to expend all efforts to bring the killers to justice thus demonstrating that there is no tolerance for such vile actions.

This and other recent fatal attacks against innocents who are integrally involved in rebuilding their nation and improving the lives of their long-suffering brothers and sisters are also crimes against all Afghans - a people who in the last two years have collectively demonstrated in so many ways their rejection of violence, war and inhumanity.

The SRSG expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the slain workers and is indeed thankful that three members of the SDF team managed to escape with their lives.

Kabul 27 February 2004

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