15 February,2009 02:20 PM IST | | PTI
Concerned over the safety of a UNHCR official kidnapped by militants two weeks ago in Pakistan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has spoken to President Asif Ali Zardari and emphasised the need to secure the immediate release of the world body's diplomat.
John Solecki, an American who was heading the UN refugee agency's office in Quetta, was kidnapped from the southern Pakistani city by militants who also gunned down his driver.
Ban called up Zardari yesterday to stress the need to secure the safe and immediate release of Solecki. Later, Ban's spokesperson said the two leaders "agreed on the need to secure the safe and immediate release" of Solecki, who has a medical condition requiring regular medication.
u00a0The delay in release of Solecki, who has been with the UN since 1991, would lead to a deterioration of his health, the world body warned.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary General emphasised the importance of Solecki's humanitarian work in helping the people of Balochistan province in Pakistan. "He stresses that no cause can be served by prolonging the abduction of Mr Solecki," the spokesperson said.
Earlier this week, the UN said it is seeking information on a group called the Balochistan Liberation United Front, which has claimed that it is holding Solecki.
Islamabad, a statement issued by the presidency said Ban "emphasised the need for early recovery of the kidnapped UN official in Balochistan."
Zardari assured Ban that the Pakistan government had taken a "very serious view" of the kidnapping of Solecki and "mobilised its resources for his early and safe recovery".
The kidnappers of Solecki released a video on Friday in which he is shown blindfolded and seeking the world body's help for his release.
During his conversation with Zardari, Ban also discussed matters related to setting up of a UN inquiry commission to probe the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.
He recalled his recent visit to Pakistan during which he announced setting up of the commission. Zardari thanked Ban for his "positive role" in establishing the UN commission to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the assassination of his wife.
