SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY DEATHS OF TWO UN CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN KOSOVO

Secretary-general saddened by deaths of two un correctional officers in kosovo

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened at the loss of life of two UNMIK United States Correctional Officers, Ms. Kim Bigley and Ms. Lynn Williams, who died on 17 April 2004 in an attack by an officer of the UNMIK Jordanian Special Police Unit (SPU) at the MitrovicaDetentionCenter.  The Jordanian officer was also killed in the incident.  Four Jordanian SPU officers have been detained for questioning in connection with the shooting, and a request for the necessary waivers of immunity has been granted.

The Secretary-General wishes to convey to the families and friends of the victims his profound and heartfelt sympathy at these tragic deaths.

The Secretary-General also expresses his concern at the injuries to another 10 United States Correctional Officers, some of whom are in critical condition, and one Austrian Civilian Police Officer, during the same incident.  He wishes all these officers a swift and full recovery. 

The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo is currently investigating the incident

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