UN Security Council deplores attack on AU peacekeepers

Thursday, September 02, 2010

New York, US - The UN Security Council has condemned the attack against the presidential palace in the Somali capital that killed four Ugandan peacekeepers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Mortar fire struck the palace in Mogadishu on Monday as Islamist militants continue to wage war against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), which is backed by AMISOM.

In a statement in New York Tuesday evening, Council members condemned all acts of violence and any incitement to violence against civilians and the AU mission or the TFG. It also offered their condolences to the families of those killed.

The 15-member panel also 'condemned the recent increased fighting in Somalia'.

They further reiterated their full support for 'the Transitional Federal Government, in its efforts to achieve peace, security and reconciliation through the Djibouti Peace Process, and for the work of AMISOM'.

In addition, the council voiced appreciation to Uganda and Burundi for their commitment of troops to AMISOM.

The attack claimed the lives of four AU peacekeepers and critically wounded nine others, as the mortar round fired by al-Shabab militants exploded near a contingent of Ugandan peacekeepers guarding the palace compound in the Somali capital.

Last week, al-Shabab vowed to wage a massive final war against the Somali government and the AU troops.

New York - Pana 02/09/2010