Secretary-General Condemns 19 May Attack against United Nations Mission in Sudan

 

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack against an UNMIS (United Nations Mission in Sudan) escort convoy on 19 May in Abyei.  At the time of the attack, the convoy was escorting 200 troops of Joint Integrated Units of the Sudan Armed Forces, as part of the deployment plan agreed to by the parties.

The attack was not only a serious breach of agreements between the parties, but also a criminal act against the United Nations.  The Secretary-General calls on the parties to immediately investigate the incident and ensure those accountable are brought to justice.

The Secretary-General is very concerned over the reports of increased troop movements into Abyei on 20 May.  He calls on all parties to appease tensions, implement the Kadugli Agreement and immediately withdraw all unauthorized forces from the Abyei area.

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For information media • not an official record