SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ATTACK ON AFRICAN UNION MONITORS IN SOUTH DARFUR

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ATTACK ON AFRICAN UNION

MONITORS IN SOUTH DARFUR

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

The Secretary-General shares the serious concern of the African Union about the recent shooting at two African Union monitors in South Darfur on 31 January.  He strongly condemns this attack, which could jeopardize the fulfilment of the African Union mission in Darfur and which occurred at a time when the military observers were conducting investigations to verify allegations of aerial bombardments and other violations of the N’Djamena ceasefire agreement in the towns of Jayjay and Shangil Tobai.  He calls upon the Government and rebel forces in Darfur to respect the neutrality of African Union monitors, observers and police, as well as all international humanitarian workers, and to guarantee that they operate in the region under conditions of safety and security.  He also urges them to investigate the shooting incident and take immediate action against those found responsible.

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