People need to distinguish between combatants and those innocent civilians who do not bear arms. They also need to be mindful for protecting assets essential for the survival of Afghan civilians.
This is exactly what we had feared. We need to continue to do as much as possible to help mitigate this situation and prevent, insofar as that's possible, any such occurrences in the future.
It is possible that any attempt to communicate with the outside world could put staff at risk of their lives.
The UN and other aid agencies are still able to cater to the needs of the people, but their activities are being disrupted by the insecurity.
How can we have access to women when the rules state they must not mingle with any men unless they are in the company of a male chaperone?
We will urge that donors be prepared to go the distance.
The fact that 80 Member States came to this event and pledged more than $200 million is a very positive development indeed. We very much appreciate the commitment.
The problem is that some of the funding has been slow, or uneven.
Overall the security situation in Mazar remains somewhat unstable. As of this morning, we heard reports that along with occasional looting there is also 'punitive action' that is being carried out. We have also heard that fighting is continuing in and around the city.
