SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘DEEPLY CONCERNED’ AT HOSTILITIES’ IMPACT ON CIVILIANS IN ACEH, INDONESIA

SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘DEEPLY CONCERNED’ AT HOSTILITIES’ IMPACT

ON CIVILIANS IN ACEH, INDONESIA

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the impact of the renewed hostilities on civilian populations in Aceh, Indonesia.  In particular, he is disturbed by reports of extrajudicial killings and widespread burning of schools.

The Secretary-General urges all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to protect civilians in armed conflict.  He calls on the Government of Indonesia to ensure the necessary security conditions to allow international aid organizations safe and unhindered access to affected populations.

The United Nations reiterates its commitment to a dialogue with the Indonesian authorities on these and other humanitarian issues related to Aceh.

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