In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6147

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ACT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST AID WORKERS IN RWANDA

20 January 1997


Press Release
SG/SM/6147


SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ACT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST AID WORKERS IN RWANDA

19970120 The following statement was issued today by the Acting Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was shocked by the killing of three Spanish aid workers and the wounding of an American aid worker employed by Médecins du Monde in Ruhengeri, Rwanda.

He strongly condemns this act of violence against people whose efforts were to alleviate suffering and protect the vulnerable. He offers his deepest condolences to Médecins du Monde and to the families and Governments of the victims of this heinous attack.

Continued instability and violence in the Great Lakes region underscore the importance of finding a lasting solution to the region's problems. He urges all parties to work together to this end and to ensure the safety and protection of relief workers.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.