Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Niger

The Secretary-General welcomes the recent positive developments in Niger including the meeting yesterday between President Mamadou Tandja of Niger and Tuareg rebel leaders, in Agadez, northern Niger, as part of efforts to end the conflict in northern Niger. He views these developments as significant and encourages the parties to continue the dialogue in order to resolve all outstanding issues. The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts in any ways that the parties would deem appropriate.