| The bombing of a U.N. election office in Afghanistan that injuring six policemen drew calls from a U.N. union Friday that the world body consider withdrawing staffers from the embattled nation. The Staff Union urged for a security review and revamped safety measures for Afghanistan-based U.N. personnel, saying "the safety of staff remains the highest priority." "As we approach the election time, more than likely attacks will intensify," said Guy Candusso, the union's vice-president. "We think the U.N. should consider suspending operations and rethink security before moving into the next critical phase of the election process." The union noted that other recent attacks on election workers have highlighted the danger. U.N. chief Kofi Annan said this week that violence has increasingly been aimed at U.N. staff and offices in Afghanistan. Afghan voters are scheduled to elect a president on Oct. 9 and a parliament in April. U.N. associate spokesman Stephane Dujarric, asked about a possible staff withdrawal from Afghanistan, said a U.N. security assessment mission recently returned from the country with specific recommendations which have been approved and are in the process of being implemented. |