ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON DEATHS OF ANGOLA ENVOY AND COLLEAGUES IN AIR CRASH

30 June 1998

Press Release
GA/SM/47

ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON DEATHS OF ANGOLA ENVOY AND COLLEAGUES IN AIR CRASH

19980630 Says Incident Underscores Dangers Facing United Nations Staff Devoting Their Lives to Cause of Peace

This statement was issued today by the spokesman for the President of the General Assembly, Hennadiy Udovenko (Ukraine):

The President of the General Assembly was profoundly saddened to learn about the tragic death in an aircraft accident of Maître Alioune Blondin Beye, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Angola, and five of his colleagues from the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola accompanying Maître Beye on that fateful flight. The President wishes to extend his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims and he would also like to convey his expressions of grief and support to United Nations staff in Angola. This tragic incident once again underscores the dangers facing the staff of the United Nations as they are sent on missions of goodwill to trouble spots around the world. International civil servants, who are selflessly devoting their lives to the cause of peace, deserve our deepest gratitude and appreciation.

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