Comment by the Information and Press Department on a series of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan

A series of bloody terrorist attacks have taken place in Afghanistan over the past few days killing nearly 200 people and injuring more than 400.

We strongly condemn these heinous acts. We hope that the masterminds of these crimes will be identified and punished as they deserve. We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

What is happening once again confirms the futility of using the military approach to resolve the situation in Afghanistan and the need to rally the counterterrorism efforts of the entire international community. Russia will continue its uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations. We reaffirm our readiness for cooperation to help build up the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces, and to curb the growth of international terrorism in that country.

We call upon the Afghan authorities and the Afghan armed opposition to start the national dialogue as soon as possible aimed at establishing peace and security in Afghanistan.