INFORMATION NOTE

UNAMID receives German Foreign Minister

El Fasher, 23 June 2011 – The UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Mohamed Yonis and the Mission’s senior leadership today received German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in El Fasher, North Darfur, on his first visit to the region.

Upon his arrival this afternoon, Mr. Westerwelle paid a visit to the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur. He then proceeded to UNAMID’s headquarters for a briefing with DJSR Yonis, Force Commander Lt Gen Patrick Nyamvumba and the Mission’s division chiefs on recent clashes in Darfur and the current state of the security situation. They also discussed the German government’s support for the peacekeeping operation and other recovery and development initiatives.

“We feel that a peaceful and prosperous development for the future of Darfur is very decisive for the whole region,” said the minister. “That is why we want to continue our support to the people of Darfur.”

DJSR Yonis welcomed the minister’s visit, hailing the “excellent collaboration and exchange of information” between both parties.

The minister’s visit comes as part of a tour of the region, including South Sudan.

UNAMID DJSR  Mohammed Yonis (right) greeting German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in El Fasher, North Darfur. Photo: Olivier Chassot / UNAMID

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
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Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations, umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966