European foreign minister Ashton condemns Somali bombing

Brussels - In her first statement as Europe's new foreign minister, Catherine Ashton on Thursday condemned as "cowardly" the terrorist bombing in Mogadishu which killed 19 persons. "I condemn in the strongest terms possible this cowardly attack against civilians, including Ministers, students, doctors and journalists," the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said.

She also conveyed her condolences to the Somali government and the families of those killed.

Ashton also assured the transitional Somali government of the "EU's determination and commitment to support its efforts to fight extremism and reconstruct a peaceful Somalia."