Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada condemns in the strongest terms the shameless and cowardly terrorist attack on Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission headquarters office in Kabul.

“Once again, insurgents have shown their total disregard for the Afghan people by attempting to thwart their desire for a democratic future.

“Acts of terror must not go unpunished, and those who perpetrated and supported this violence must be held accountable.

“Our thoughts are with the commission’s dedicated staff, who have been working tirelessly on behalf of all Afghans to prepare for the April 5 election.

“We urge the Government of Afghanistan to continue to take all steps needed to set the necessary conditions for a secure, constitutional and inclusive election, which will be vital to ensuring Afghanistan’s future stability and democratic government.”