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Bombing in Somalia

Foreign Office Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham has made a statement following the bombing this morning in Mogadishu, Somalia

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking after the bombing, Minister Bellingham said:

“The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s attacks during the holy month of Ramadan on innocent civilians, Parliamentarians and soldiers of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG). I extend my condolences to the Speaker of Parliament and the President of the TFG and send my heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured in these attacks.

Those responsible have shown no regard for human life, the suffering of the Somali people or those who are working for peace and stability in Somalia. These attacks highlight, once again, the immensely difficult security situation in which the Somali Transitional Federal Institutions operate. Together with the international community, the UK is committed to working with Somalis to build a peaceful and stable Somalia and deplores any attempts to undermine the Djibouti process. Somalia’s Parliamentarians have a key role to play in reaching out to and representing all Somalis and we call on the TFG and the Somali Parliament not to allow this attack to stand in the way of their vital work.”

Published 24 August 2010