SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS TALIBAN'S DENIAL OF CONSULAR ACCESS TO DETAINEES
COULD HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General remains concerned at the continued detention of eight international and 16 national staff of Shelter Now International by the Taliban.� He regrets that, contrary to customary international law, consular access and legal representation for the detainees have been denied.� This gives a signal that could have severe consequences on critical humanitarian assistance at a time when Afghans are suffering the combined effects of war, extreme poverty, massive displacement and severe drought.
The Secretary-General appeals to the Taliban for a speedy solution in line with international norms and obligations.
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