Statement by Juan L. Cariaga at the Board meeting of July 30, 1998

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development International Development Association 87375 International Finance Corporation Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY CONFIDENTIAL EDS98-395 July 28, 1998 Board Meeting of July 30, 1998 Statement by Juan L. Cariaga Tajikistan CAS - Supplemental Statement I had already prepared a written statement on the CAS for Tajikistan when we received the tragic news that four members of a United Nations Peace Keeping Mission were brutally murdered in a remote region of that country. It was appropriate that consideration of the CAS was suspended until the facts of this sad event were known, and we welcome the information that the authorities are investigating further. I would like, however, to note that the four persons were all from different countries. Major Adolfo Sharpegge was Uruguayan, a country of my constituency; Major Richard Shevchek was Polish; Akino Iutaka was a Japanese citizen, and Yura Majramov was Tajik. The ambush reportedly occurred 170 miles north of Dushanbe. They gave their lives in pursuit of a mission on behalf of peace and progress. This also reminds us of the dangers that exist for the dedicated employees of the World Bank travelling and in our Resident Missions, as well as other organizations who are concerned with poverty alleviation, peace and development. In that regard, I would also note that Uruguay has been one of the countries most active in supporting peacekeeping operations in many parts of the world. Major Sharpegge, who leaves a wife and a nine year old daughter was the tenth Uruguayan “blue helmet” to die on such a United Nations mission. On behalf of my Uruguayan authorities, I would like to repeat our appreciation for the Bank’s concern over this sad event.