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UN chief 'troubled' by evidence of sexual abuse by peacekeepers

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-13 08:26

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday that he was "deeply troubled" by the preliminary evidence of sexual exploitation and abuse gathered against some Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).

"He reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, that such behavior, if substantiated, is wholly unacceptable and that disciplinary action to the maximum degree permitted by Indian law should be taken as soon as possible against those found to be involved in such misconduct," Ban's press office said in a statement.

Ban said that the Indian government had assured the UN that the allegations will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and, if proven, strict and exemplary action would be taken as per the law.

"The secretary-general highly values India's long-standing and valuable support for United Nations peacekeeping," the statement said. "He expresses his respect for all those peacekeepers from India and other troop contributing countries who serve with honor and commitment."

The UN chief stressed that "the misconduct of a few should not diminish the enormous contribution and sacrifice of the large number of blue helmets who serve the cause of peace."