UN Envoy Deplores Deadly Attack On Somali Hotel

Top UN Envoy Deplores Deadly Attack On Somali Hotel

New York, Aug 24 2010 12:10PM

The top United Nations envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned today’s attack on a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, which reportedly killed at least 30 civilians, including Members of Parliament.

According to media reports, the attack involved Somali insurgents dressed as police officers, who stormed the hotel and opened fire, and later blew themselves up.

“These callous, brutal acts, which were clearly aimed at causing maximum bloodshed to innocent people, defy rational comprehension,” said Augustine P. Mahiga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia.

“Those who are responsible for these murders are only interested in causing destruction and misery to the Somali people.

“They will not, however, succeed in their violent campaign. The Somali people are yearning for peace which they deserve and they will be heard. The peace process will continue in Somalia despite the attempts by a violent minority to disrupt it.”

Mr. Mahiga conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and to the Government of Somalia, and expressed his wishes for a quick recovery for the wounded.

Violence in Mogadishu has led to some 3,000 conflict-related casualties so far this year and uprooted around 200,000 people from the city, which has been the scene of ongoing clashes between Government troops and Islamist militant groups, including Al-Shabaab.

ENDS

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