Secretary-General ‘Deeply Gratified’ by Release of United Nations Contractors in Darfur

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

The Secretary-General is deeply gratified by the release today of two African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) contractors who were abducted in Zalingei, Central Darfur, Sudan, on 29 January.

The Secretary-General commends the efforts made by UNAMID and expresses his appreciation to the Governments of Sudan and the Russian Federation in securing their safe release.

He is relieved that the contractors will be able to reunite with their families and loved ones after 128 days in captivity.

The Secretary-General underscores the importance of UNAMID's work for the people of Darfur and calls on the Government to launch a full investigation.