SECRETARY-GENERAL DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED AID WORKERS IN SOMALIA

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

The Secretary-General most strongly condemns the abduction of four aid workers and two pilots from an airstrip near the town of Dusamareb in Somalia today.

The Secretary-General demands their immediate release.  He is deeply concerned about the worsening trend of killings and abductions of aid workers in Somalia.  He calls upon all parties to respect the neutral and impartial status of humanitarian staff, and to allow them to do their work bringing vital life-saving assistance to millions of Somalis, nearly half of the population, who are counting on this support for their survival.

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For information media • not an official record