SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT ON CRASH OF AIRCRAFT CARRYING ANGOLA REPRESENTATIVE AND TEAM MEMBERS
Press Release
SG/SM/6616
AFR/79
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT ON CRASH OF AIRCRAFT CARRYING ANGOLA REPRESENTATIVE AND TEAM MEMBERS
19980629 The following statement was issued on Saturday (27 June) by Secretary- General Kofi Annan:I am extremely saddened at the tragic incident which took place yesterday evening. According to reports received from Abidjan and the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), the United Nations plane transporting my Special Representative for Angola, Alioune Blondin Beye, and five members of MONUA together with two pilots crashed while approaching the Abidjan airport at about 8 p.m. local time on 26 June.
The search and rescue operation, which has been conduced by the Ivorian authorities assisted by French helicopters, has found the wreckage of the United Nations aircraft, approximately nine kilometres from the Abidjan airport. So far, no survivors have been sighted. Due to the nature of the terrain, the rescue team is experiencing difficulties in reaching the site. I have been notified that the Foreign Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, Amara Essy, has visited the area. He confirmed the seriousness of the crash and has dispatched a specialized unit of military and gendarmerie officers to ascertain whether or not there are any survivors. I greatly appreciate the prompt assistance of the authorities involved. An urgent investigation is being launched.
Mr. Beye, who for several years has been spearheading the implementation of the peace process in Angola, was travelling in the region in yet another attempt to seek support of African leaders in overcoming the present crisis in this war-torn country. In this difficult time, I once again appeal to all Angolans, in particular the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation and UNITA, to continue to cooperate closely with the United Nations and to bring the peace process to the earliest conclusion.
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