Ban Ki-moon: Respect UN's 'freedom of movement'
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers taken hostage by Syrian rebels, but said all sides in the Syrian conflict must respect the United Nation's "freedom of movement."
Ban "appreciates the efforts of all concerned to secure their safe release," said a statement released by his press office after the 21 Filipinos crossed from Syria into Jordan. The abduction was condemned by world powers and sparked fears that more governments would withdraw their contingents from the already depleted UN mission. (News agencies)
