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SG/SM/9348-AFR/962

SECRETARY-GENERAL RELIEVED AT NEWS OF RELEASE OF 16 AID WORKERS IN DARFUR, SUDAN

07/06/2004
Press Release
SG/SM/9348
afr/962


SECRETARY-GENERAL RELIEVED AT NEWS OF RELEASE OF 16 AID WORKERS IN DARFUR, SUDAN


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


The Secretary-General is relieved at the news that the 16 Sudanese and international aid workers were released unharmed by the Sudan Liberation Movement in Darfur on Sunday.  He condemns these detentions, which are unacceptable violations of humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.  He underscores the crucial importance of safe and unhindered humanitarian access and urges all parties to facilitate it in this crisis where every moment counts.


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For information media. Not an official record.