As United Nations Georgia mission begins withdrawal, Secretary-General affirms

 

readiness of United Nations to remain engaged in region

 

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

Following the lack of agreement of the Security Council to continue the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), the Mission effectively ceased its functions as of 16 June 2009, and started its withdrawal.  The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to the parties for their cooperation with the Mission since its establishment in 1993, and welcomes their expressed readiness to continue to extend their support to the Mission until its full withdrawal.

The Secretary-General affirms the readiness of the United Nations to continue its other key activities and remain engaged in the region.  To that end, he has asked his Special Representative, Johan Verbeke, to continue to represent the United Nations at the ongoing Geneva international discussions on security and stability and on the return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

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For information media • not an official record