UN humanitarian chief condemns the killing of WFP-contracted driver in Somalia

(New York, 8 May 2008): United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes today condemned the killing of a UN World Food Programme - contracted truck driver who was shot yesterday at a checkpoint in central Somalia. 'This incident, the second of this kind in Somalia this year, underlines yet again the dangerous and volatile environment aid workers operate in,' said Mr. Holmes.

He extended his condolences to the family of the driver and urges all parties to respect humanitarian principles and International Humanitarian Law, and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian staff and cargo across the country. The delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance to the population in need must be facilitated by all concerned.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; John Nyaga, OCHA-NY, + 1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int