Thursday 12 April 2012

UN Convoy Attacked in Libya’s Benghazi

Local Editor

tripoli benghazi mapA United Nations convoy was targeted on Tuesday with Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Board while traveling through the Libyan city of Benghazi.

The spokesman for the U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hua Jiang, said an explosive device was thrown at the convoy at around 2:30 p.m. local time.

He added that Ian Martin, the SRSG who is also the head of UNSMIL, was not hurt as well as no one other.
"Luckily nobody was hurt but the SRSG (Ian Martin) cut short his visit and has returned to Tripoli," Jiang told the U.N. Radio. She added that it was not known who the perpetrators were.

"The matter now is handled by the local authorities. As far as we understand, an investigation has been launched," Jiang said.

Martin was in Benghazi for various engagements. Earlier, in an address at the University of Benghazi, he spoke about issues related to U.N. assistance to Libya in its democratic transition, including the electoral process, public security and human rights.

US CONDEMNS
For its part, the United States condemned the attack, urging an investigation into the incident.
"We strongly condemn today's attack on the UN convoy traveling through Benghazi. We call for a full investigation", State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said, adding that "the Libyans (are) cooperating with UN authorities on that."

Source: Agencies
11-04-2012 - 11:54 Last updated 11-04-2012 - 11:54

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