xiinfaniin Posted June 16, 2007 U.S expresses optimism about Somali reconciliation conference The United States on Friday expressed optimism that the Somalia national reconciliation conference would take place next month despite recent setbacks which have resulted in delays. U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger said Washington has released 1.25 million U.S. dollars to fund the July 15 reconciliation conference, saying it was the best chance for the transitional government to chart out its democratic future for decades. "We believe the National Reconciliation Congress represents a historic opportunity for the Somali people to come together to address the issues that have divided them for so many years and to move forward the transitional process," Ranneberer told journalists in Nairobi. He urged the transitional government to make the conference inclusive by reaching out to the country's recently ousted Islamic militants to prevent the war-ravaged nation from returning to the clan-based violence and anarchy that has characterized the country since 1991. But Ranneberger said Washington was not surprised the conference was delayed, saying "it was understandable given the logistical constraints and the pace of time they were trying to organize it." The reconciliation conference was due to start on Thursday but was postponed for one month on Wednesday. Source: Xinhua Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
