Nepalese blue helmets released in DR Congo

2 Nepalese blue helmets released in DR Congo, 5 still held captive – UN

Two Nepalese peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) were released today following nearly a month in captivity but five of their fellow blue helmets are still being held.

The seven peacekeepers were taken captive on 28 May in the area of Tsupu in the troubled Ituri district following an attack which caused the death of one Nepalese soldier and the wounding of three others.

MONUC today called on the militia group known as the Front Nationaliste et Integrationniste (FNI), which is believed to be responsible, to release the remaining five.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the move through his spokesman, who said he was “pleased” to learn that two of the peacekeepers were set free.

“MONUC continues to maintain contact with those responsible in order to bring about the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining five Nepalese peacekeepers,” the spokesman said in a statement.

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