13 December 2009 -- "The Secretary-General is deeply gratified to learn that two civilian staff members from the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), who were abducted at gunpoint from their accommodation in West Darfur, Sudan, on 29 August, are now free and in the care of UNAMID. The pair had been detained for more than 100 days," according to a statement attributable to the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that was released in New York today.

"The Secretary-General commends the efforts of UNAMID and the Government of Sudan in securing the freedom of the abductees. He wishes to underscore the importance of the peacekeeping and humanitarian work being undertaken by the United Nations in Darfur," the statement continued.

"The Secretary-General also reiterates that the primary responsibility for the safety and security of all humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel lies with the Host Government," the statement concluded.