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SG/SM/9099-AFR/804

SECRETARY-GENERAL SHOCKED BY BRUTAL MURDER OF APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN BURUNDI

29/12/2003
Press Release
SG/SM/9099
AFR/804


SECRETARY-GENERAL SHOCKED BY BRUTAL MURDER OF APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN BURUNDI


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


The Secretary-General was deeply shocked and saddened to learn the news of the tragic death of Monsignor Michael Courtney, the Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi, who was brutally murdered during a road ambush today in Minago, about 50 kilometres south of Bujumbura in Bururi province. 


The Secretary-General recognized the quiet and effective manner in which the Monsignor had been helping the peace process in Burundi.  The Secretary-General conveys his condolences to the Pope and the family of the Monsignor.  The Secretary-General hopes that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice.


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For information media. Not an official record.