Brussels, 09/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has spoken out against the car bomb attacks which left more than 18 dead in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on 8 September. The Islamist group Shebab has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy “condemns in the strongest terms Saturday's attacks in Mogadishu. She deplores the casualties and her thoughts are with the families that have been affected. These acts of extremist desperation will not reverse the progress made in restoring peace and stability in Somalia”, her spokesperson stated in a press release published on Monday 9 September. A few days ahead of the international conference for a “New Deal” with Somalia, to be held in Brussels on 16 September, the high representative reaffirms the EU's commitment “to supporting Somalia's reconstruction”. (AN/transl.fl)