SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY BRUTAL MURDER OF UN SECURITY OFFICER IN SOMALIA, CALLS ON SOMALI AUTHORITIES TO BRING PERPETRATORS TO JUSTICE

SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY BRUTAL MURDER OF UN SECURITY OFFICER IN SOMALIA ,

CALLS ON SOMALI AUTHORITIES TO BRING PERPETRATORS TO JUSTICE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is saddened to learn that a United Nations security officer, Mohamuud Musse Gurage, was killed by gunmen on Monday night in the Lower Juba region of Somalia.  He offers his sincere condolences to Mr. Gurage’s friends and family.

The brutal murder of Mr. Gurage underscores the difficult security situation the United Nations faces as it attempts to assist the people of Somalia.  The Secretary-General calls on the relevant Somali authorities to do their utmost to bring to justice the perpetrators of this terrible crime.  He also calls on all Somali parties to work towards establishing a society that will be peaceful for all Somalis.

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