Date of Release: 03 September 2006

Arg, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, was deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of 14 British soldiers.

According to reports, the Royal Air Force Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed due to a mechanical fault in the province of Kandahar on Saturday, killing 14 British military personnel.

In his reaction to the news the President said, “These British soldiers lost their lives for the sake of peace in Afghanistan and the people of Afghanistan will never forget their sacrifices.  These soldiers lost their lives during the fight against global terrorism.”

The President, on behalf of the people of Afghanistan, expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Britain.

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Spokesman to the President

Tel.:  00 93 799 33 77 55

        00 93 799 909 429

Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President