Press Release

Date of Release: 17 August 2005

Arg, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, expressed his regret at the tragic death of 160 French and Columbian nationals in a plane crash in Venezuela yesterday.

In this tragic incident, 152 French and 8 Colombian nationals have lost their lives.

The President, on behalf of the people of Afghanistan and the Government, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the peoples of France and Columbia.

Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan