SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES GREAT SADNESS OVER TRAGEDY IN MECCA

15 April 1997

Press Release
SG/SM/6207

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES GREAT SADNESS OVER TRAGEDY IN MECCA

19970415 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has learned with great sadness of the tragic death of almost 200 pilgrims and the injuries sustained by hundreds of others in a fire near the Holy City of Mecca. He wishes to express his sincere condolences to the families of the victims at this time of great sorrow.

The Secretary-General would also like to offer his profound sympathy to King Fahd Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and to the Government and people of Saudi Arabia.

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