Mogadishu, (insidesomalia.org) - The United States said Monday it condemns the killing of a top United Nations official in Somalia and urged parties in the country to work together through dialogue.

"The United States condemns the murder of Osman Ali Ahmed," the State Department said in a statement, referring to the head of the U.N. Development Program who was killed in Somalia on Sunday.

"We offer our sympathy and condolences to Ahmed's family and colleagues, and appreciate Somali and African Union medical efforts to save Ahmed's life," the statement said.

"Ahmed's murder, a brutal act that occurred as he, his son and brother left a mosque after prayers, highlights the determination of violent extremists to attack the right to worship and to silence moderate voices working for peace and lasting stability in Somalia," the statement said.

"The United States calls on all Somalis to work together through peaceful dialogue and compromise in the spirit of the June9 Djibouti Agreement and to ensure the safety of all humanitarian staff in Somalia,” the statement added,

The Somali government and the opposition signed on June 9 an agreement that included a cease-fire within 30 days. However, the cease-fire has not been observed.