KABUL, Afghanistan — The United Nations has strongly condemned Wednesday’s attack in the Afghan capital Kabul, targeting the official convoy of the country’s first vice-president, Amrullah Saleh.

The vice-president survived the attack but the blast, which took place in a crowded part of the city, claimed dozens of civilians — mostly bystanders.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres extended deep sympathy and condolence to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of achieving a peaceful settlement to the conflict in the country and reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the people and Government of Afghanistan in this important endeavour,” the statement said.

In a separate message on her twitter account, Deborah Lyons, the special representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and the head of the UN Mission in the country (UNAMA) expressed shock at the initial high number of civilian casualties.

“Perpetrators must face justice,” she said.

The attack comes as Afghanistan prepares for the launch of direct peace negotiations between the Government and Taliban. Briefing the UN Security Council last week, Lyons described the intra-Afghan talks as a historic moment to end the brutal conflict in the country.

The conflict, which has raged for four decades, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions over the years — most of whom have no prospects of return.