SG/SM/9997
AFR/1211
12 July 2005

Secretary-General Shocked by Brutal Murder of Abdulkadir Yahya Ali in Somalia

NEW YORK, 11 July (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was shocked to hear of the brutal murder of 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.

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