SG/SM/6346

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES HALT TO FIGHTING IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN, FOLLOWING REPORTS OF DEATH, INJURY TO TAJIK REFUGEES

2 October 1997


Press Release
SG/SM/6346


SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES HALT TO FIGHTING IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN, FOLLOWING REPORTS OF DEATH, INJURY TO TAJIK REFUGEES

19971002 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is disturbed at reports of deaths and injuries among Tajik refugees in the Sakhi refugee camp near Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan as a result of fighting between Afghan groups. The fighting also caused serious shortages of food, water and medicine. The United Nations is in touch with all relevant authorities in order to prevent a humanitarian tragedy and ensure the safety of some 7,000 refugees in the Sakhi camp. The Secretary-General urges all Afghan parties to cease all military activities in and near the camp and to allow the refugees to repatriate safely as soon as possible.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.