Condemning Al Shabaab Attack in Somalia, Secretary-General Affirms that Violence Will Not Deter United Nations from ‘Steadfast’ Commitment to Peace

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

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated by Al Shabaab yesterday on the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu.  The attack resulted in a number of casualties and injuries, including to staff of diplomatic missions of several countries whose missions were based in the hotel.  The Secretary-General conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to their Governments, and wishes the injured a swift recovery.

The Secretary-General affirms that such attacks will not deter the United Nations and international partners from our steadfast commitment to help the people and Government of Somalia realize a peaceful future for their country.