U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
April 4, 2011
STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING DEPUTY SPOKESMAN
We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life in the United Nations plane that crashed flying into Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, earlier today. We extend our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims; to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Roger Meece; and to the colleagues of the UN staff and humanitarian workers who tragically lost their lives today.
The United Nations has and continues to play a critical role in helping the Congolese government bring peace and stability to the country. Today’s tragedy underscores the risks that UN personnel undertake worldwide. The United States strongly supports the UN in its mission and will continue to do so in this difficult time.
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