UNDP CONDEMNS KILLING OF VETERAN STAFFER IN MOGADISHU

UNDP CONDEMNS KILLING OF VETERAN STAFFER IN MOGADISHU New York, Jul 7 2008 10:00AM The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today strongly condemned the killing of Ali Osman Ahmed, the head of its office in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and the world body's top official in the war-torn nation.

"Mr. Ahmed was a long-serving UNDP staff member who had dedicated his life to the betterment of his country," according to a statement issued by the Programme. "A highly professional and dedicated man, he will be sorely missed by all his colleagues at UNDP."

The killing is the latest in a string of attacks against UN staff in the country, which has not had a functioning government since 1991 and is facing a worsening security and humanitarian conditions, despite the signing of a peace deal last month between Somali parties.

Mr. Ahmed was shot yesterday as he left a mosque in Mogadishu with family members.

"We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife and family and wish his brother, who was wounded in the attack, a full and speedy recovery," UNDP said.
2008-07-07 00:00:00.000

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