Security Council Press Statement on Accident of Helicopter

 

Employed by United Nations Mission in South Sudan

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mohammed Loulichki ( Morocco):

The members of the Security Council strongly deplored the shooting down in Jonglei State (South Sudan) on 21 December 2012 by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army of an UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan] MI-8 helicopter performing a reconnaissance flight to the area with four Russian crew members, all of whom were confirmed dead.

The members of the Security Council extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew members and to the Government of the Russian Federation.

They stressed that this accident constituted a grave violation of the Status of Forces Agreement of 8 August 2011 and jeopardized the UNMISS operations.

They strongly urged UNMISS and the Government of South Sudan to conduct a swift and thorough investigation of the accident.

The members of the Security Council also strongly urged the Government of South Sudan to hold those responsible for the accident accountable and take all necessary measures to avoid such tragic accidents in the future.

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For information media • not an official record