The Presbyterian Ministry at the Untied Nations joins the international community in grieving for the recent attack in Côte d’Ivoire in which seven peacekeepers, erving with the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI),were killed.
The peacekeepers, from Niger were on patrol in the proximity of Para village, near the border town of Tai in the country’s south-west on Friday, when they were attacked by a group of unidentified armed elements.
The United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly and the Security Council have condemned the attack.
Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has issued the following statement on the Attack on UN Peacekeepers in Cote d’Ivoire, June 11, 2012:
The United States condemns the vicious ambush of a UN patrol in Cote d’Ivoire, in which seven UN peacekeepers from the Republic of Niger were killed, and extends our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the victims. The loss of peacekeepers is a tragedy—for scores of families and friends, for the governments and peoples of Niger and Cote d’Ivoire, and for the entire UN family.
The United States stands with the Ivoirian people, who have resiliently returned to a path of peace and democracy. We remain firmly committed to a more secure and prosperous future for the people of the region. Finally, we honor the service of UN peacekeepers, who brave hardship and make enormous sacrifices for the cause of peace.
The Presbyterian Minstry at the United Nations has conveyed our condolences to the Permanent Representative of Niger to the United Nations. We grieve for those who were killed. We pray for those who loved them. We give thanks for all who are willing to serve in the cause of peace and security.
Blessed are the peacemakers. May it be so!