afrol News, 16 January - Algerian Prime Minister, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, has expressed his government's fury over the United Nations' decision to probe the 11 December bombing that killed 41 people, including 17 UN staff without consulting them. As a result, Algiers does not welcome UN investigators.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, on Monday endorsed the appointment of an independent panel to "establish all the facts" concerning the Algiers attack.

Ban's action came after he had received a preliminary report on circumstances that led to the terrorist attack against United Nations premises in the Algerian capital Algiers last year.

A Spokesperson of the UN chief said the panel is expected to seek the full support and cooperation of the Algerian authorities.

However, Prime Minister Belkhadem told the government daily, 'El Moudjahid', since his country's Ambassador to the UN was not consulted, Algeria would not consider the investigation.

The probe will also help the UN to address "strategic issues vital to the delivery and enhancement of staff security" in its world-wide operations.

The Secretary expressed his full recognition of global reality of the environments in which the United Nations operates and the need to work actively with member state support to improve the security of our staff.

The investigating panel will be composed of international experts from outside the United Nations systems. Its members will soon be announced.

UN chief reiterates his "commitment to continue to work with member states to improve the security of United Nations staff."

By staff writer

© afrol News

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