SG/SM/10291
AFR/1312
3 January 2006

Secretary-General Saddened by Deaths of Sudanese Migrants in Cairo, Regrets Situation Not Resolved Peacefully

NEW YORK, 30 December (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the violent deaths of a number of Sudanese migrants in Cairo today as a result of clashes with police.  Their deaths are a terrible tragedy that cannot be justified.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt sympathies to the families of all of those who were killed and injured.  He expresses his profound regret that this situation was not resolved peacefully and through dialogue, as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had strongly urged.

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