News story

Prime Minister appalled by murder of former President of Afghanistan

Prime Minister David Cameron said Burhanuddin Rabbani played a vital role as chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The chairman was killed in a bomb attack in Kabul on 20 September. Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“I am absolutely appalled by the murder of Burhanuddin Rabbani. He was a respected former President of Afghanistan and played a vital role as the chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council. We met on my last trip to Afghanistan where I was able to hear and see for myself his determination to work for a better Afghanistan. He will be sorely missed but the work of the Peace Council will go on. We remain determined to see Afghanistan prosper.”

Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“I am appalled by the news of the attack that has taken place in Kabul and the death of former President Rabbani. This is an attack by people who only want to spread violence and bloodshed. I want to send the sincere condolences of the United Kingdom to his family and also to the families of the other people who have been injured in the attack.

He worked tirelessly for peace and a secure future for Afghanistan and we are confident that this in no way will reduce the determination of the Government of Afghanistan to continue to work for peace and reconciliation. I will be discussing that with Foreign Minister Dr Rassoul of Afghanistan at our meeting this week.”

Published 20 September 2011