Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, sent his condolences to the family of the slain guard.
“He expresses his solidarity with the Government and people of Iran, who are confronted with this appalling act amid the annual Nowruz celebrations held to commemorate in peace the start of a new year,” the spokesperson added.
“He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. He hopes for the success of the ongoing efforts by the Government of Iran to achieve the release of those who remain captive.”
The five guards were abducted on 6 February in Iran’s south-east border region with Pakistan. Media reports say that an Iranian Sunni Muslim rebel group, Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), has claimed responsibility.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras (file photo)