The commander of the International Security Assistance Force and the NATO Senior Civilian Representative join President Karzai in condemning the murder of High Peace Council Chairman Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani, and the wounding of Secretary to the High Peace Council Mohammad Massoom Stanekzai, in an attack at Prof. Rabbani's home on the afternoon of September 20, 2011.

Prof. Rabbani and Minister Stanekzai were in Prof. Rabbani's residence when two suicide bombers, feigning a desire to conduct reconciliation talks, detonated themselves.

"The face of the peace initiative has been attacked," said Gen John R. Allen, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force. "This is another outrageous indicator that, regardless of what Taliban leadership outside the country say, they do not want peace, but rather war. Their only goal with this completely immoral act is to turn the clock back to the darkness synonymous with the Taliban movement. Our condolences go out to the families of Prof. Rabbani and Minister Stanekzai. We will continue to work closely with our Afghan partners in our march toward peace, and to hold those responsible for this heinous act accountable for their crimes against the people of Afghanistan."

Ambassador Simon Gass, the NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, said, "Professor Rabbani was leading efforts towards peace in Afghanistan. He was a brave man, who did not hesitate to risk his own life in the search for a better future for all Afghans. Minister Stanekzai, too, is an outstanding Afghan patriot who has worked tirelessly for reconciliation. It is clear that the organisers attacked what they feared most - peace. For they know that the creed of hatred and oppression which they represent will always be contrary to the free will of the Afghan people. My condolences go to the victims, family and friends of all those killed and wounded in this attack."

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