Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Deadly Terrorist Attack in Somalia

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attack today at the Central Hotel in Mogadishu during Friday prayers, which resulted in the death and injury of many innocent Somalis, including Government officials and Members of Parliament.  In a phone call today to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia, the Secretary-General expressed his deepest condolences to the Government of Somalia and the families of those killed and wished the injured swift recovery.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the Somali security forces, who brought the situation under control.  The Secretary-General also reaffirms the strong resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and Government of Somalia, who are working to rebuild peace and prosperity in their country.  The terrorist attacks cannot deter the collective will of the Somali people to move forward or the commitment of the United Nations.