Brussels, 08/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Speaking on behalf of the EU, Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, strongly condemns the wave of attacks in northern Nigeria since 4 November, claimed last weekend by the Nigerian Islamic movement, Boko Haram.
In a statement published on the evening of 7 November, Ashton “strongly condemns the brutal attacks in Borno and Yobe States in northern Nigeria, which left more than 100 innocent people dead and many wounded”. She stresses that “such mindless and heinous acts cannot under any circumstances be justified”. Ashton expresses her condolences to the bereaved families and her solidarity with the government of Nigeria, and assures the latter of the EU's support for its efforts to address the challenge of Boko Haram “through appropriate political and security means”. (AN/transl.jl)