SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTRESSED BY FERRY BOAT SINKING IN INDONESIA, CONCERNED OVER ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN PROVINCES

Press Release
SG/SM/7474

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTRESSED BY FERRY BOAT SINKING IN INDONESIA, CONCERNED OVER ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN PROVINCES

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

The Secretary-General is distressed by the news that an overcrowded boat carrying persons fleeing the clashes in northern Maluku province of Indonesia and bound for North Sulawesi has sunk during a violent storm yesterday. He expresses his condolences to the Government of Indonesia and to the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General is concerned over the reports of the escalation of violence in the Maluku and North Maluku provinces and the steady deterioration in the humanitarian situation, and the related reports of large numbers of people killed and widespread displacement of population.

The Secretary-General appeals to those perpetrating this violence to respect humanitarian law and principles and to ensure the protection of civilians. They must allow safe and unimpeded access to enable humanitarian workers to provide assistance to the populations in need.

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