UNAMA, 06 August 2007 - I am appalled and saddened to have learnt today of the murder of three deminers working for the Mine Detection and Dog Center in Panjwai district of Kandahar province.
Mr Abdul Hasib, Mr Mirwais and Mr Meva Gul had been working to clear contaminated land when they were abducted on Saturday 4 August. Deminers put their own lives at risk every day to ensure the safety of Afghanistan's communities and it is abhorrent that anyone would target such selfless individuals working tirelessly to free the people of Afghanistan from the risk of death and injury caused by land mines.
I want to pay tribute to these brave men, their sacrifice will never be forgotten by the Afghan people. My thoughts and sincere condolences are with their families and friends at this difficult time.