Norway condemns suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Norway strongly condemns the two suicide attacks during the Shia Muslim festival of Ashura on Tuesday in which at least 59 people in Kabul and four in Mazar-e-Sharif were killed.

“We extend our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks. Nothing can justify such arbitrary, meaningless killings. Attacks on religious and other minorities undermine the Afghan people’s efforts to build a stable, democratic and peaceful country,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Bonn Conference on 5 December showed that the international community is united in its support and solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.

“We intend to continue our long-term cooperation with the Afghan authorities with a view to promoting progress and a normally functioning society. Together, we must combat all forms of terrorism and violence and religious and ethnic intolerance,” said Mr Støre.