Ban Ki-moon Seeks Protection, Funds After UN Workers Killed in Kabul

“We need the support of member states,” Ban said yesterday after the Security Council met at his request. “We must realistically assess the situation and put in place more effective protections for our staff.”

Ban said he will go to the General Assembly today to seek expedited approval of funds for security to “meet the dramatically escalated threat” to UN workers.

Three gunmen attacked a Kabul guesthouse at dawn two days ago, armed with assault rifles, grenades and wearing suicide vests. The militants targeted international workers as they tried to escape. The Taliban has stepped up attacks as the UN helps the country prepare for the Nov. 7 runoff presidential election.

Ban said he’s seeking approval for a $471 million two-year security budget that includes a $40 million annual increase. He will also ask for the creation of an emergency discretionary fund of as much as $50 million for security measures, according to the UN press office.

Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai, in a telephone call yesterday, said security forces will increase support for the UN mission and its workers, Ban told reporters in New York.