SECRETARY-GENERAL TO INSTRUCT SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE ON MEASURES

 

FOR WINDING UP OPERATIONS OF UNOMIG

 

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

The Secretary-General has taken note of the lack of agreement within the Security Council on the future activities of a United Nations stabilization mission.

In accordance with this outcome, the Secretary-General will instruct his Special Representative to take all measures required to cease the operations of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), effective 16 June.  He will consult with his senior advisers and his Special Representative on the immediate next steps.

The Secretary-General regrets that the Security Council has been unable to reach agreement on the basis of a package of practical and realistic proposals he submitted to the Security Council aimed at contributing to a stabilization of the situation on the ground.

The Secretary-General extends his appreciation to all the men and women who served the mission, and to the countries that provided them.  In particular, he expresses his profound tribute to the memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of peace there.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record