Condemning Attack in Abyei, Secretary-General Urges Sudan, South Sudan Governments to Resume ‘Without Delay’ Implementation of Administration, Security Agreement

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack last night by unknown assailants on the residence of the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief in Abyei town, during which one Ethiopian peacekeeper from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and a young girl were killed.  At least three civilians were also wounded.

The Secretary-General calls on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to assist UNISFA in swiftly bringing the perpetrators of this attack to justice.  He urges both Governments to resume without delay their cooperation on the implementation of the 20 June 2011 Agreement on Temporary Arrangements for the Administration and Security of the Abyei area and to support the Mission’s efforts to promote dialogue between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.  He calls on both communities to remain calm and avoid any escalation of this tragic incident.

The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government of Ethiopia, to all UNISFA personnel, and to the families of the two victims.  He wishes the wounded a speedy recovery.