The UN condemns the abduction of an MSF representative

Moscow, 14 August, 2002 - The United Nations joins Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in strongly condemning the abduction of MSF's Head of Mission for Dagestan, Mr Arjan Erkel, in Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan, on 12 August. The UN also remains extremely concerned about the fate of Mrs. Nina Davydovich, the humanitarian worker from the NGO Druzhba who was abducted in Chechnya on 23 July. Actions of this kind compromise the effective provision of humanitarian assistance to the many people who are in need in the Northern Caucasus. The UN also wishes to reiterate its solidarity with the hundreds of civilians who have been abducted in Chechnya in recent years, and calls on those responsible to ensure the safe return of their victims.
UN activities in Chechnya remain suspended until further notice. The UN is keeping the situation under continuous review.

For further information please contact the United Nations' designated public information officer on this issue, Ms Victoria Zotikova, on (095) 956 64 05