Secretary-General ‘Deeply Gratified’ by Release of Staff Members in Darfur

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

The Secretary-General is deeply gratified to learn that two civilian staff members from the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), who were abducted at gunpoint from their accommodation in West Darfur, Sudan, on 29 August, are now free and in the care of UNAMID.  The pair had been detained for more than 100 days.

The Secretary-General commends the efforts of UNAMID and the Government of Sudan in securing the freedom of the abductees.  He wishes to underscore the importance of the peacekeeping and humanitarian work being undertaken by the United Nations in Darfur.

The Secretary-General also reiterates that the primary responsibility for the safety and security of all humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel lies with the host Government.

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For information media • not an official record