Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the death of a military observer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic killing of a MONUC military observer early this morning (New York time) in Ituri (northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo). The incident took place after an ambush of a MONUC military and civilian convoy travelling from Katoto to Bunia, the main town in Ituri.

The Secretary-General reaffirms MONUC's determination in cooperating with the Government of the DRC to pursue the culprits and bring to justice all those who are responsible for this reprehensible and criminal act.