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Somali leader, UN envoy condemn terror attack

Xinhua, February 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and UN top envoy in the Horn of Africa nation on Friday condemned terrorist attack that killed more than 20 people including two lawmakers by Al-Shabaab on a luxury hotel in Mogadishu.

Mohamud said in a statement that two explosions took place midday at the Central Hotel, where government officials and civilians have been residing.

"I am very sorry and shocked that terrorist groups have once again targeted innocent Muslim people, who were performing their Juma prayers at Central Hotel in Mogadishu," Mohamed said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

"I send my condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in this terrible attack. I also pray for a quick recovery for those who were wounded," he said.

The president vowed to carry out with pacifying of the country, noting that the Friday attack will not deter his government's efforts to root out terrorism and restore peace in the country.

"We will continue fighting terrorism until we completely eliminate it. I am sure this attack proves the hypocrisy of the terrorist group who claim to be acting in the name of religion, while carrying out acts that are completely un-Islamic. Our religion stands for peace," Mohamud said.

"There is no single verse in our Qu'ran that allows killing innocent people, such as happened today. National security forces, in collaboration with AMISOM and the people will never stop until stability, law and order are fully restored to Somalia," he added.

Omar Ali Nor Furtug, an MP and deputy governor of Benadir regional Administration Mohamed Adan Guled were confirmed dead in the terrorist attack.

The exact casualties of the attack is still under investigation, but officials have put the toll at over 20.

Al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces are currently conducting investigating into the attack, but no information so far has been released.

Meanwhile, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary- General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay also condemned the attack.

"I condemn today's appalling attack against innocent civilians and dedicated government officials, many of whom were gathered for Friday prayers," Kay said.

The UN envoy said such an indiscriminate attack against the Somali people is a cruel and despicable crime intended to rob Somalis of their hope for a better future.

"We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people. Despite such inhuman atrocities, Somalis are successfully rebuilding their government institutions and security forces after more than two decades of state failure and conflict," he said.

Kay said the UN in Somalia will continue to work to help Somalis realize their hopes and aspirations for a peaceful and stable future. Endi