U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon promised Thursday that he will spare no effort to ensure the safety of all U.N. staff around the world.
"Let me assure all U.N. staff around the world: I will spare no effort in ensuring we provide adequate security for you, wherever you serve," Ban said in his second letter to U.N. staff since the blasts rocked the Algerian capital of Algeris.
"We will look at all possible ways, with all parts of the system, and with Member States, to ensure that this is done," he added.
Meanwhile, the United Nations confirmed that the death toll of U.N. staff in the terrorist bombings in Algiers has been raised to11 with 5 more missing.
U.N. Spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters at the U.N. Headquarters in New York that "our effort to recover and identify bodies is continuing."
Immediately following the attacks, Ban dispatched several of his top aides to Algiers, including the head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Kemal Dervis, to determine how best to aid those injured in the attack and their families.
He told the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday that "the security and welfare of U.N. staff is paramount," adding "we will take every measure to ensure their safety, in Algeria and elsewhere, beginning with an immediate review of our security precautions and policies."
According to the United Nations, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Algiers, the UNDP office collapsed following an explosion, which local authorities have indicated was caused by a car bomb. Another car bomb exploded near the country's Constitutional Court.
The world body has a total of 40 international staff presently in Algeria, including 19 international staff based there and an additional 21 that are there temporarily, as well as about 115 local U.N. staff in the capital.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article