SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES STAFFER’S RELEASE, CALLS FOR FREEING OF TWO OTHERS

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

The Secretary General is pleased to know that Soumana Mounkaila, one of the three United Nations staff members who was abducted in Niger on 14 December 2008, has been released unharmed.  He appreciates the efforts that have been made by Governments and concerned individuals around the region to help secure the release of the missing staff members.

The Secretary-General renews his call on those holding Robert Fowler and Louis Guay to release them both without any further delay.

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For information media • not an official record