US condemns attack on restaurant in Kabul

The U.S. condemned here Saturday the attack on a restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan which killed 21 people, including an IMF official and wounded others. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement "the United States joins the international community in condemning the Taliban's attack on a restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, which has killed 21 civilians and injured others." "There is no possible justification for this attack, which has killed innocent civilians, including Americans, working every day to help the Afghan people achieve a better future with higher education and economic assistance at the American University, United Nations, International Monetary Fund and other organizations," he stressed. He noted that the U.S. "commends the quick and skillful response of the Afghan security services in the aftermath of the attack." He reiterated "we call again on the Taliban to put down their arms and begin peace talks, which is the surest way to end the conflict in a peaceful manner." "We send condolences to all the victims of the attack and their families, and pray for a speedy recovery for those injured," Carney remarked.