Somalia Consultations

Today, I met with key regional leaders, representatives of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG), as well as representatives from the African Union and United Nations to discuss the regional strategy to help restore lasting peace and stability in Somalia, including efforts to support the full and timely deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and progress towards national elections in 2009.

During today’s meeting, I encouraged the TFG, following the appointment of Prime Minister Nur “Adde” Hassan Hussein, to renew and revitalize efforts towards a lasting political solution based on the Transitional Federal Charter. I hope Prime Minister Hussein will draw on his humanitarian background to help facilitate delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid. A cease-fire agreement with key stakeholders, such as clan and business leaders, would be an important step in helping to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance, and would reduce the level of violence and create the conditions for longer term security sector reform. I also encouraged Prime Minister Hussein to develop a timeline for the remainder of the transitional process by early January, including the drafting of a new constitution and electoral law, as the first step in this process.