SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED AT TRAGIC DEATHS OF SIX ZAMBIAN PEACEKEEPERS IN SIERRA LEONE

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SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED AT TRAGIC DEATHS

OF SIX ZAMBIAN PEACEKEEPERS IN SIERRA LEONE

Following is a statement issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was saddened to learn that an accident in Sierra

Leone on 5 January resulted in the tragic deaths of six Zambian peacekeepers and 12 injured, as a result of an explosion of the ammunitions that had earlier been surrendered by ex-combatants.  The Secretary-General deeply regrets the deaths of these Zambian peacekeepers and extends his sincere condolences to their families.  The Secretary-General wishes to commend all United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) personnel who responded to this accident in an exemplary manner. 

This tragic incident underscores the acute dangers associated with peacekeeping, and the Secretary-General wishes to express his continued appreciation for the commitment and dedication of United Nations personnel serving in missions across the world.

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