United Nations Radio

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has received confirmation that the remains of Alec Collett, who was on assignment for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) when he disappeared in Lebanon in 1985, have been found in eastern Lebanon.

Alec Collett

There were reports last week that tests carried out on human remains recovered by British experts working in the Bekaa region could be those of Alec Collett. United Nations Deputy Spokesperson Marie Okabe has more.

"The Secretary-General appreciates the role played by the relevant authorities in the United Kingdom and in Lebanon to resolve the matter after so many years. He is grateful for the work done by the Department of Safety and Security in helping to determine what happened to Mr. Collett. Although he is saddened by Alec Collett's death, he hopes that the actions taken to find his remains can provide a measure of comfort to his loved ones."

The Secretary-General has expressed his sincere sympathies to Alec Collett's family and restated the commitment of the UN to assist them in the days ahead.

Diane Bailey, United Nations Radio
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