| Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC July 19, 2006 Somalia – End of Hostile ActionThe United States is gravely concerned by reports that militia aligned with the Islamic Courts are advancing towards Baidoa, the interim location of the Somalia Transitional Federal Institutions. This continued expansion contradicts previous statements by the Islamic courts regarding their intentions towards the Transitional Federal Institutions. The United States calls on the Islamic courts and all Somali parties to immediately cease any hostile action and resume a process of peaceful dialogue. The Somali people have made clear that reconciliation and the reestablishment of governance must begin in earnest. The Transitional Federal Charter and Transitional Federal Institutions provide the framework for the reestablishment of governance leading to an elected, representative government by the end of the transitional political process in 2009. The United States supports the establishment of a functioning government that incorporates all elements of Somali society, including religious leaders and Islamic organizations, the business community, civil society, and women’s groups. We stress that these objectives can only be achieved through a process of inclusive dialogue based on broad-based representation from Somali society, not through force of arms. 2006/699 |
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