SECRETARY-GENERAL REITERATES CALL FOR RELEASE OF UNHCR STAFFER ABDUCTED IN PAKISTAN

The following statement was issued on Saturday, 14 February, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General spoke earlier today with President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, and they agreed on the need to secure the safe and immediate release of John Solecki.

The Secretary-General wishes to underscore at this time the importance of the humanitarian work being undertaken by Mr. Solecki to help the people of Baluchistan, and to reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to assist them through our humanitarian work.

He stresses that no cause can be served by prolonging the abduction of Mr. Solecki.  He calls once more for his immediate and unconditional release.

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For information media • not an official record