Algiers Bombing

Contact: Deborah DeYoung , 202/454-2107, Michael Reyes , 202/454-2108                                                

January 14, 2008

UN Secretary-General Orders Independent

Inquiry into Algiers Bombing

Washington, D.C. - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is appointing an independent panel to establish all the facts concerning the terrorist attack of the UN offices in Algiers last month that killed 17 and injured 40 UN staff.

 

The composition of this independent panel, which will draw on international experts from outside

the United Nations system, and its more detailed terms of references are expected to be
announced shortly. The panel will seek the full cooperation of the Algerian governmental authorities.

 

The inquiry will also address strategic issues vital to the delivery and enhancement of staff security for the United Nations in its operations around the world.

 

Secretary-General Ban fully recognizes the global reality of the environments in which the

United Nations operates and the need to work actively with member state support to improve the security of the staff.

 

The call for an independent inquiry follows the delivery of a special report on Friday to

Secretary-General Ban by Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security David Veness, the UN's top security official.

 

Click here for more information about the Algiers attack.

 

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