UN Security Council strongly condemns terrorist attack against Somali hotel

The United Nations Security Council today condemned “in the strongest terms” the attacks carried out today against the Sahafi hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia by Al-Shabaab, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries, the UN News Center reported.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of Somalia. The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured,” said a statement issued from the office of the UN spokesperson.

The Security Council members also paid tribute to the quick response of the Somali National Army in responding to the attack.

Further the Council reaffirmed its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with the UN Charter.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed,” said the statement.

The Security Council members also highlighted the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.

Further, they also urged all States, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities, in accordance with their obligations under international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions.

“The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law,” said the statement.

Lastly, the Council members reiterated
their support for Somalia's transition to greater peace and stability, underlining that “neither this, nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination”.

Source: MENA