Monday, October 19, 2009 

UN Man Starts Guinea Deaths Probe

A senior UN official has started his investigation into the killing of opposition demonstrators in Guinea.

UN Assistant Secretary General Haile Menkerios is to investigate the events of 28 September, when Guinean soldiers opened fire on the protesters.

They were calling on Guinea’s military ruler not to stand for election.

A BBC correspondent says Mr Menkerios’ arrival is the most powerful sign yet that the world beyond Africa intends to pursue the case.

Human rights groups say some 157 people died in last month’s clashes, but the junta puts the toll at 57.  

CREDIT – BBC