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UN condemns Mogadishu's hotel attack

Xinhua, February 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations on Friday strongly condemned a terrorist attack in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, which was claimed by al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabaab militant group.

In a statement issued here by his spokesperson, UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon slammed the attack on the Central Hotel in Hamarweyene district frequented by politicians and foreigners.

The attack, which killed at least 20 people and injured several others, occurred when senior Somali government officials, including a deputy prime minister, and members of parliament, were meeting in the hotel.

In a phone call earlier in the day to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Ban expressed his deepest condolences to the government and the families of those killed, and wished the injured swift recovery.

The UN chief also paid tribute to the Somali security forces, who brought the situation under control, and reaffirmed the " strong resolve" of the world organization 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," the statement said.

In a press statement, the Security Council also strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism.

The Council "underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard," the statement said.

The Council members also reiterated their support to all actors working towards peace and stability in Somalia, including both UNSOM (United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia) and AMISOM ( African Union Mission in Somalia).

Somalia has been plagued by political infighting and bursts of extremist violence as Al-Shabaab continues to wage an insurgency. Endite