15 January 2008 

We wish to express shock, outrage and profound sadness at the
terrorist attack against the Kabul Serena Hotel. We extend our deepest condolences and expressions of sympathy to the families of those
who died in the attack. We continue to pray for the speedy recovery
of the wounded.

We have instructed the management of the hotel to provide counselling and specialist psychological care to traumatised guests and staff. We would
like to commend the Serena staff for the exceptional bravery and composure
they displayed during the attack and in its immediate aftermath. At the
height of the incident staff continued to protect hotel guests. It was the
courageous Serena employees who identified and apprehended one of
the gunmen involved in the assault.

The Board members are deeply touched by a large number of messages
of concern and sympathy sent to us by clients and friends from all
over the world. We are grateful to our customers who have remained in
the hotel despite the adverse circumstances in a remarkable show
of trust and loyalty.

The Board has already launched a thorough review of the security procedures governing access to the hotel. We are in continuing consultation with security contractors on enhanced security of the hotel.

The hotel suffered no major structural damage during the attack. We have
already started to carry out repairs in the areas of the hotel that sustained
limited damage.

Access to the Kabul Serena hotel is likely to remain difficult in the first
48 to 72 hours after the attack, because of a heavy security cordon around
the hotel. However, the hotel remains open for business and continues
to accept bookings from customers.