Washington, D.C. – Congressman Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the killing of UN workers in Afghanistan by a mob after Pastor Terry Jones recently desecrated the Koran.

“I have the deepest respect for the men and women from nations across the globe, including the United States, who have chosen careers in diplomacy and development. I was shocked and saddened to learn that a number of these selfless individuals assigned to work at the UN headquarters in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan were brutally murdered at the hands of an angry mob. I urge the Afghanistan government, national and local officials, to do everything in their power to bring these murderers to justice and I expect the United States government to provide any assistance necessary to ensure this happens. Pastor Terry Jones’ act of desecrating the Koran is both disgusting and offensive – it not only was used to justify this violence, but empowers the very enemies our military servicemembers are risking their lives to fight every day. During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragedy."