New York

11 July 2005

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the assassination of Abdulkadir Yahya Ali of Somalia

The Secretary-General was shocked to hear of the brutal murder of Mr. Abdulkadir Yahya Ali in Mogadishu today. Mr. Yahya had devoted many years to foster peace and reconciliation in his country and was widely respected by his countrymen and by many in the international community.

The Secretary-General condemns such acts of violence that continue to undermine the prospects for peace and reconciliation in Somalia.