SOO MAAL Posted June 23, 2006 U.S. welcomes accord between rival Somali leaders The United States on Thursday welcomed an agreement reached between rival Somali leaders earlier in the day, saying it is a positive step toward ending fighting in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa country. "We believe that this is a positive first step in what will be a long process to bring security and stability to Somalia," deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said at a news briefing. Ereli made the remarks after the Somali interim government and the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) signed an accord for cease-fire, mutual recognition in Khartoum, Sudan during talks sponsored by the Arab League. The Islamic Courts Union seized control of the capital Mogadishu early this month. Somalia has been without a central government since 1991, when warlords first occupied the capital. U.S. forces intervened in 1992 to protect famine aid and withdrew in 1994 after a Mogadishu street battle in which 18 American service members were killed. Washington said earlier this month that it was looking forward to working with groups or individuals who have an interest in a better, more peaceful, more stable, secure Somalia ... who are also interested in fighting terrorism." Source: Xinhua Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
