The United States condemns in the strongest terms the assassination in Kabul of Professor Rabbani, the former President of Afghanistan and head of the High Peace Council. We extend our condolences to his family, and to all the people of Afghanistan, including those who were injured, and the families of those who lost their lives.

We will support the Afghan Government as they pursue the ones responsible for this cowardly attack and bring them to justice. And we will continue to increase pressure on al-Qaida and the Taliban. We have always known that there are those who will do all they can to undermine the cause of peace and reconciliation. We will see more violence before this is over. But the Afghan people will not be deterred from pursuing a more peaceful, democratic future for their country and we will continue to stand with them and support their efforts.