(London, April 05, 2012 Ceegaag Online)

British Prime Minister David Cameron condemned Wednesday’s suicide attack in Mogadishu, calling it “sickening” and insisting violent extremists had no part to play in Somalia’s future.

A female suicide bomber blew herself up during an address by Somalia’s prime minister at the newly-reopened national theatre, killing four people, including the country’s Olympic and football bosses.

Britain, which is set to host the London 2012 Olympics within months, has sought to lead international efforts to end the crisis in Somalia.

“I am deeply shocked by the sickening attack on the Somali National Theatre,” Cameron said.

“I utterly condemn the action of these terrorists who have shown complete disregard for the lives of the Somali people and for their desire to bring back normal daily life in Mogadishu.

“And my thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have been killed or injured in this mindless violence.”

He said an international conference on Somalia held in London in February had envisaged a new future for its people.

“Let us be absolutely clear today. Terrorists and violent extremists have no part in that future. They do not speak for the people of Somalia,” he said.

“And we will not allow their actions to destabilise the process of political reform through which ordinary Somalis are, for the first time, getting a real say in how their country is run.”

Cameron said the death of Somali Olympic Committee president Aden Yabarow Wiish was a “difficult moment” for everyone involved in the Somali team.

“But I hope that with time, as they move beyond today’s tragic events, so they will unite their country and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives today by competing in the London Olympics,” he said.

Matt Baugh, Britain’s ambassador to Somalia, condemned the attack as “barbaric”.

 Source: AFP

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