Secretary-General deeply saddened at death of Nepalese peacekeeper, wounding

of others serving with un mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened at the death of a Nepalese peacekeeper, and the wounding of three other Nepalese peacekeepers, serving with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), on 28 May in the area of Tsupu in the Ituri district.  The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack, and the capture of seven Nepalese peacekeepers by armed groups, and calls for their immediate release.  It should be underscored that those responsible for these acts should be held accountable.

The Secretary-General wishes to express heartfelt condolences to the Government of Nepal and the bereaved family.

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For information media • not an official record