United Nations Deplores Killing Of Aid Workers In Somalia

New York, NY (AHN) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the brutal roadside bombing in Somalia that killed three aid workers and reportedly also claimed the life of a local journalist.

Offering his condolences to the victims' families, Ban reminded the country's Government "of its obligation to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers operating in Somalia," according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, and he also called on authorities to mount a thorough investigation of the attack.

The statement noted that Ban "is also deeply concerned about the security of civilians and aid workers in Somalia and reminds all parties in the country that they have a responsibility under international law to protect them at all times."

Media reports say the four people were killed after the bomb detonated today near the southern Somali town of Kismayo. The three aid workers who lost their lives served with Medecins Sans Frontieres.

In December, 2007, The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia had called for the release of two female staff members of the international aid organization Medecins Sans Frontieres who have been abducted in the strife-torn Horn of Africa nation.

Expressing his shock at the incident which occurred in Bosasso, Puntland, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said kidnapping humanitarian workers "did not serve the cause of peace or Somalia's traditional culture of hospitality," said in a statement.

Four people were killed after the bomb detonated near the southern Somali town of Kismayo on Dec. 26, 2007. The three aid workers who lost their lives served with Medecins Sans Frontieres.