Secretary-General announces gaza board of inquiry commenced work

 

in new york today, expected to travel soon to region

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

The Secretary-General wishes to announce that the United Nations Board of Inquiry into incidents in Gaza has commenced its work in New York today, and is expected to travel soon to the region.  The Board is led by Ian Martin ( United Kingdom) and includes, as its other members, Larry Johnson ( United States), Sinha Basnayake ( Sri Lanka) and Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Eichenberger ( Switzerland).  The Board of Inquiry will review and investigate a number of specific incidents that occurred in the Gaza Strip between 27 December 2008 and 19 January 2009 and in which death or injuries occurred at, and/or damage was done to, United Nations premises or in the course of United Nations operations.  The Secretary-General expects that the Board will enjoy the full cooperation of all parties concerned.

The Board of Inquiry will report to the Secretary-General upon completion of its investigation.  The Secretary-General will review the report, and decide, at that point, what further steps to take.

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For information media • not an official record