UN chief condemns abduction and killing of media workers near Ecuador-Colombia border
20 April 2018
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the kidnapping and killing of three media workers near
the border between Ecuador and Colombia, confirmed on 13 April, as well as the subsequent kidnapping of two other
Ecuadorian nationals.
“These acts highlight the threats posed by criminal groups operating on the border between Ecuador and Colombia,” said
the Secretary-General in a statement attributable to his spokesperson.
In that regard, the UN chief welcomes the close cooperation between both countries to address the common threat, the
statement added.
Mr. Guterres also reiterated the UN’s availability to support the two Governments in the areas deemed necessary.
The Secretary-General also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, and his sympathy and solidarity to
the Government and the people of Ecuador.
According to reports, the three media workers – two journalists and their driver – were taken near the village of
Mataje, in northern Ecuador, on 26 March. They worked for the Ecuadorian newspaper, El Comercio.
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