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UN chief slams deadly attack on blue helmets in Mali

Xinhua, November 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday condemned an attack by means of an explosive device against a convoy of UN peacekeepers in northern Mali, which killed a UN employee.

The attack took place as a convoy of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was traveling in the Timbuktu region, killing one civilian staff member.

"The secretary-general wishes to reaffirm that such attacks will not alter the determination of the United Nations to support the Malian people and the peace process, including through its assistance to the ongoing implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

"MINUSMA continues to strengthen measures aimed at countering explosive threats in Mali for the protection of United Nations personnel and Malian people alike," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the secretary-general commended the brave men and women serving in MINUSMA for their efforts to bring lasting peace to Mali under such difficult conditions, the statement said.

"He wishes to express his sincere condolences to the family of the victim," it said.

At least 27 people were killed in an attack and hostage-taking by Islamist militants at a luxury hotel here on Friday, in which Malian forces stormed the building and rescued more than 100 people, including many foreigners.

The fatalities in the hostage-taking at the Radisson Blu hotel included three Chinese citizens and one U.S. citizen.

The Malian government declared a 10-day nationwide state of emergency Friday evening and a three-day mourning for the victims. Endi