In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6676

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ATTACK AGAINST TWO STAFF MEMBERS OF UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

21 August 1998


Press Release
SG/SM/6676
AFG/81


SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ATTACK AGAINST TWO STAFF MEMBERS OF UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

19980821 Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attacks against two staff members of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan (UNSMA).

In the attack, which took place in the morning of Friday, 21 August, in Kabul, Political Affairs Officer Eric Lavertu (France) and Military Adviser Lt. Col. Carmine Calo (Italy) were shot by an unidentified gunman as their car was approaching the United Nations office. Mr. Lavertu received a hand wound, while Col. Calo received a wound to the abdomen and two wounds in the arm.

The Secretary-General calls upon the Taliban authorities in Kabul to take urgent steps to investigate the incident, bring to justice those who might have committed this heinous crime, and keep the United Nations informed about the results of that investigation. He would like to remind the Taliban that they are responsible for the security and safety of all members of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan, and strongly urges the Taliban to take adequate measures to ensure their safety. In the light of the new developments, the Secretary-General is again reviewing all security arrangements for United Nations staff in Afghanistan.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.