SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY KILLING OF UN MILITARY OBSERVER IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY KILLING OF UN MILITARY OBSERVER

IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic killing of a MONUC military observer early this morning, New York time, in Ituri, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The incident took place after an ambush of a MONUC military and civilian convoy travelling from Katoto to Bunia, the main town in Ituri.

The Secretary-General reaffirms MONUC’s determination in cooperating with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursue the culprits and bring to justice all those who are responsible for this reprehensible and criminal act.

* *** *