SG/SM/7830

                                                      1 June 2001

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SHOCK, SADNESS AT REPORTED KILLINGS

IN ROYAL FAMILY OF NEPAL

The following statement was issued this evening by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is profoundly shocked by the reported killing on Friday evening of King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya of Nepal, as well as other members of the royal family.  He is deeply saddened by this tragedy.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and calls for calm and stability in this difficult period.

* *** *