The first batch of United Nations international workers returned to Kabul Sunday, a few days after pulling out of the war-torn country following fresh UN sanctions.
The three foreign staff flying into Kabul on board a routine UN flight from neighboring Pakistan said they were convinced there were no security threats facing them..
"I feel happy to be back and I am here to continue my normal job," said David Pakas, a UN security official who accompanied two colleagues, one from UN agency Habitat and one from a UN de-mining operations.
UN sources also said three more expatriates were due to leave for other Afghan cities of Herat, Kandahar and Mazar-i-Sharif.
The UN, fearing violent reprisals, withdrew around 60 foreign staff ahead of Tuesday's announcement of additional sanctions on the Taliban rulers for their alleged support to international terrorism.
The Taliban authorities have urged the UN Security Council not to go ahead with its strengthened sanctions against the ruling militia.
A senior UN official told AFP Friday the situation was calm and the first international staff were expected to return on Christmas Eve.
Relief workers, including those with foreign non-governmental organizations, have complained the sanctions could have dire humanitarian consequences if their vital aid operations are interrupted -- KABUL (AFP)
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