SECRETARY-GENERAL APPALLED AND OUTRAGED BY ACTIONS OF UN PEACE-KEEPING SOLDIERS IN SOMALIA
Press Release
SG/SM/6271
SECRETARY-GENERAL APPALLED AND OUTRAGED BY ACTIONS OF UN PEACE-KEEPING SOLDIERS IN SOMALIA
19970624 The following statement was issued by Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday, 23 June:I have been advised of alleged atrocities committed while on duty in Somalia by United Nations peace-keeping soldiers. I am appalled and outraged by these actions which are unacceptable and counter to everything peace- keeping stands for. These soldiers are now being held to account by their contributing governments and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Let there be do doubt: United Nations peace-keeping soldiers are and should be held to the highest standard of service and conduct. Training of soldiers in their responsibilities to citizens, refugees and other facing hardships has been strengthened since 1993. The duty of commanding officers to immediately report any conduct that is out of order has been stressed.
While soldiers are under the command of their own superior officer, I wish to assure that every possible effort will be made on the part of the United Nations to ensure that such incidents do not recur. I deeply regret these incidents and the pain they caused.
With this said, I wish to reconfirm my deep faith and pride in the valour, commitment and service of thousands of peace-keeping soldiers from more than 70 countries. I would like, in particular, to pay tribute to the more than 1,500 soldiers who so bravely died in the cause of peace.
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