SG/SM/7074
AFR/156

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY DISTRESSED BY PRESS REPORTS ON DISCOVERY OF TWO MASS GRAVES IN CUITO PROVINCE OF ANGOLA

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by press reports concerning the discovery of two mass graves in the Chipeta village in Cuito province of Angola. Due to the deterioration of the security situation, the United Nations does not have any presence in the area and it cannot, at this stage, confirm these reports. The Secretariat is attempting to obtain further information or confirmation before making any other comment.

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United Nations