Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Darfur, Sudan

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing on 25 May of a UN officer from Egypt, who was deployed in El Fasher in support of AMIS. He also deplores the armed hijacking of a UN convoy in El Fasher on 28 May, in which three vehicles were stolen and the passengers robbed. It is unacceptable that those working to bring stability and life-saving humanitarian assistance to Darfur continue to be targeted. All parties must urgently adhere to the ceasefire and support the activities of the United Nations and the African Union in this beleaguered region of Sudan.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Sudan to facilitate the immediate deployment of the Heavy Support Package to AMIS, and agree to the UN-AU Hybrid Operation without delay.

The Secretary-General urges all stakeholders to support the efforts of Special Envoys Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim. Lasting peace in Darfur can only be achieved through an inclusive and comprehensive peace process reinforced by a strong peacekeeping presence.