13 April 2013 - A delegation of senior UN officials led by Assistant Secretary-General for Field Support Anthony Banbury visited the Jonglei State capital of Bor today in the aftermath of last Tuesday's ambush on an UNMISS convoy that killed a dozen peacekeepers and civilians.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for South Sudan Hilde F. Johnson accompanied Mr. Banbury, who met with Jonglei State Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk and his cabinet ministers as well as UNMISS staff stationed in Bor.

The Assistant Secretary-General characterized the visit as a show of support from UN headquarters to UNMISS and its staff members following the deadliest attack against Mission personnel since UNMISS was launched in July 2011.

"We are here to support them, and their safety and security is our top priority," said Mr. Banbury. "All of UNMISS from the SRSG on down have rededicated themselves to do everything they can to support the people of South Sudan during such an important time of their history."

Mr. Banbury also thanked Governor Manyang for the rapid response of the Sudan People's Liberation Army who provided assistance to survivors of the 9 April ambush.

Governor Manyang expressed his appreciation for the UN's pledge to remain in South Sudan and continue its vital work in his state.

"This is a very important commitment for the people of Jonglei," said Governor Manyang. "We will work with them to achieve the peace and security (to which) we have been aspiring for a long time."

SRSG Johnson said that the UN delegation conveyed three messages during their meeting with the governor and his cabinet.

"As head of the Mission, I have condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and (highlighted) the need for a follow-up investigation to find out what happened and hold perpetrators to account," she said. "Secondly, we have conveyed to the governor, to colleagues here in Bor and Jonglei State a reassurance that we remain undeterred by what has happened."

The SRSG also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the safety of all UNMISS staff members is secured.

The delegation which included the Indian ambassador to South Sudan Parmod Bajaj also met with local government officials, Indian Battalion members and civilian staff members of UNMISS during their stay in Bor.