Press Release - Date of Release: 24 July 2006

Arg, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, strongly condemned the killing of an Afghan pharmacist working for international relief group World Vision and his driver in the province of Ghor.

The enemies of Afghanistan attacked a World Vision vehicle in the province of Ghor on Sunday, killing an Afghan pharmacist and his driver. They were returning from a medical supply mission to a village in Ghor province when they were attacked.

In his reaction to the news the President said "The enemies of Afghanistan, at the instruction of foreigners, kill those who are providing healthcare to the poorest communities throughout the country."

"This despicable act of terrorism was aimed at depriving the people of Afghanistan of their right to healthcare and ensuring that Afghanistan remains dependent on other countries' medical assistance for ever."

"This is the work of foreign mercenaries who are trying to hinder reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Afghans will continue to rebuild their country despite subversive activities by the terrorists. Afghans never kill medical staff."

The President ordered the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice.
The President expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims.

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Spokesman to the President
Tel.:  00 93 799 33 77 55

Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan