SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS KILLING OF UNITED NATIONS OFFICER IN SUDAN

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing on 25 May of a United Nations officer from Egypt, who was deployed in El Fasher in support of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS).  He also deplores the armed hijacking of a United Nations convoy in El Fasher on 28 May, in which three vehicles were stolen and the passengers robbed.  It is unacceptable that those working to bring stability and life-saving humanitarian assistance to Darfur continue to be targeted.  All parties must urgently adhere to the ceasefire and support the activities of the United Nations and the African Union in this beleaguered region of Sudan.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Sudan to facilitate the immediate deployment of the heavy support package to AMIS, and agree to the United Nations-African Union hybrid operation without delay.

The Secretary-General urges all stakeholders to support the efforts of Special Envoys Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim.  Lasting peace in Darfur can only be achieved through an inclusive and comprehensive peace process reinforced by a strong peacekeeping presence.

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For information media • not an official record