Media release

8 July 2008

Attack on the Indian Embassy, Kabul

The Australian Government condemns the car bomb attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul on 7 July and extends its deep sympathies to the Afghan Government and people and to the Indian Government and people.

The Australian Embassy in Kabul has been in contact with local authorities who have advised that no Australians have been killed or injured in the attack. No Australian officials in Kabul were caught up in the attack.

Australia condemns this atrocity in the strongest possible terms.

Those responsible are callous terrorists with no respect for human life. This attack further demonstrates their determination to kill, maim and intimidate the Afghan people and to undermine international efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.

The attack simply reinforces the importance of those efforts, by Afghanistan, Australia, India and others, and the need for resolve in the fight against terrorism.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555