SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEASED BY RELEASE OF FOUR ABDUCTEES IN WEST AFRICA, INCLUDING HIS SPECIAL ENVOY FOR NIGER

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

The Secretary-General is pleased to learn of the release of four people who had been abducted in recent months in West Africa, including his Special Envoy for the Niger, Robert Fowler, and Mr. Fowler’s aide, Louis Guay, both from Canada.

He is very grateful to the authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger for their efforts to secure the safe release of the abductees.  He particularly appreciates the role that Canada has played in ensuring that Mr. Fowler and Mr. Guay would be released unharmed, and is grateful that those efforts have resulted in success.

The Secretary-General reiterates his belief that United Nations staff members carry out valuable work around the world, which they should be able to do without fear of harassment or intimidation.

* *** *