The attack that killed a UN staff member and
resulted in the kidnapping of an official with the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan was condemned in the "strongest terms"
by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday, dpa
reported.
Syed Hashim died in the attack while his companion, American John Solecki, was
kidnapped while traveling in Quetta, Pakistan, by unknown assailants, local
police said.
In Washington, the US State Department said it was looking into reports of the
kidnapping, but could not confirm the victim's identity as an American.
Ban said in a statement that he condemned "in the strongest terms, the attack
on UN staff who serve the neediest people around the world."
"Such acts are aimed, not only against UN personnel, but also against
those they serve selflessly and with dedication," it said. The secretary
general expresses his deepest condolences to the family of Mr Hashim and calls
for the immediate and safe release of Mr Solecki."
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