Press Release 2005

Statement from US Embassy on Violence in Jalalabad

May 11, 2005       
100/2005       

The US Mission to Afghanistan is deeply concerned at the violence that has taken place in Jalalabad.  We are reassured that the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police (ANP) have been able to control the situation and restore order.

U.S. Charge d’Affaires Richard Christenson said in Kabul, “We are saddened by the injuries and loss of life in Jalabad and we hope there will be no further violence.”

He also indicated that the US Government would investigate an allegation that U.S. forces at Guantanamo showed disrespect to the Koran.  He emphasized that the U.S. respects the right of all people to practice their own religion, and that disrespect toward the holy book of any religion is unacceptable.