The Secretary-General strongly condemns the shooting down today of a clearly marked UN helicopter by the Sudan People's Liberation Army near Likuangole, in Jonglei State of South Sudan.

On behalf of the United Nations, he extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the four crew members killed in this incident and to the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of South Sudan to immediately carry out an investigation and bring to account those responsible for this act.   In light also of previous incidents, the Secretary-General demands that the Government of South Sudan urgently puts in place reinforced measures within the SPLA to ensure that no such event may reoccur in the future.