SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS SOMALIA’S DETENTION OF UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the forceful and illegal entry of Government security forces into the United Nations compound in Mogadishu, and the detention of a United Nations official.  The Secretary-General calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the staff member. 

The Secretary-General reminds the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia of its obligation to protect all United Nations staff members and property.  Today’s actions are in flagrant violation of the 1946 Convention on Privileges and Immunity to which the Somali Government formally committed in the January 2006 agreement. .

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For information media • not an official record