17 March 2009 -- The Secretary-General deeply regrets the death of one UNAMID [African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur] peacekeeper who died from a gunshot wound received during a deliberate attack on a UNAMID patrol today in Nyala, South Darfur.

The Secretary-General condemns this attack and is deeply concerned by the increased security threats faced by UNAMID in Darfur. He calls on all parties to fulfill their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN and UN-associated personnel in Sudan.

New York, 17 March 2009

(statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General)