EU condemns attacks on new Somali president

(BRUSSELS) - European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Wednesday condemned the suicide attack against newly elected Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

"I utterly condemn today's attack on the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu," she said in a statement.

"It is an appalling assault against both the new President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the recent political progress in Somalia."

Hassan was unharmed Wednesday after two blasts went off outside the hotel where he had been staying in Mogadishu, but three soldiers were killed in what appeared to be an attack by multiple suicide bombers.

The blast killed a member of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeeping force and two Somali troops, a police officer said, adding initial reports suggested it was carried out by three suicide bombers.

While expressing relief that Mohamud had escaped injury she expressed her sadness at the deaths.

"Monday's successful and peaceful presidential election was a clear signal of hope and change," said Ashton.

"Today's attack serves as a reminder that Somalia remains fragile. I hope that the people of Somalia and their new President will now be even more determined to realise their hopes and aspirations.

"The EU is ready to support Somalia on its new course to peace and stability."

The Shebab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group which has been waging a bloody insurgency against Somalia's Western-backed government, was quick to claim responsibility for the attack.

On Tuesday the Shebab spokesman had warned that his group considered as illegtimate the UN-backed process which saw newly-designated lawmakers elect Hassan.