Fyr Posted February 24, 2005 Thu February 24, 2005 11:12 AM GMT+02:00 By C. Bryson Hull KAKUMA, Kenya (Reuters) - The new Somali government should use its own militias to bring stability at home, instead of relying on African Union troops whose presence could invite attacks, a U.S. ambassador said on Wednesday. William Bellamy, the U.S. ambassador to Kenya whose portfolio includes peace efforts in Somalia, said the Somali government should be able to secure its restive country with militias controlled by powerful former warlords in its ranks. "Our view is that the transitional government has, potentially, the means to secure its own country," Bellamy said in response to a reporter's question. Formed last year in the relative safety of Kenya, only some elements of the new Somali government have returned to their anarchic homeland. The cabinet's stated goal of returning home by February 21 passed with the fledgling administration still in Nairobi. The government, at the urging of President Abdullahi Yusuf, has asked for a combined force of 7,500 peacekeeping troops from AU and Arab League states. The AU has approved the deployment of troops from Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia, but there is no timetable and growing doubts that it will happen. Several members of government and, privately, a growing number of diplomats, have criticised the plan as a dangerous move, owing to Somalia's longtime rivalry with Ethiopia. Though careful to say the United States did not oppose the AU plan, Bellamy said Somalia must be reconsider whether AU troops are more of a liability than an asset. "There is a risk they could be a magnet for instability," Bellamy told reporters, while touring the Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya. "There are a number of pitfalls in that course of action." Ethiopia is the military power in the Horn of Africa, and its strong support of Yusuf has bred mistrust among traditionally nationalistic Somalis wary of Addis Ababa's influence. In interviews, former warlords in the government have urged Somalis to attack Ethiopian troops, and others have said the AU soldiers would bring diseases like HIV/AIDS with them. Bellamy said the foreign troops could play a role in training Somali security forces, but later in the rebuilding process. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted February 24, 2005 Toolstoy you deranged fake soothsayer you never give up do you old foggy. I bring facts and you just regurgitate your pathetic clannish sentiment here. You suppose that you are actually reasoning here while all you do is just rearranging your prejudices. Well my dear confused soul, the project for Somali unity is going full steam ahead. Nothing can stop the drive towards progress, the Tsunami that will soon engulf the whole of Somalia. Jowhar today Hargaysa tomorrow Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumatatu Posted February 24, 2005 Tolstoy: Somalida waxay ku maahmaahda war jiraaba cakaaruu iman Duke : Nothing can stop the drive towards progress, the Tsunami that will soon engulf the whole of Somalia.Jowhar today Hargaysa tomorrow And I thought the Tsunami effect was one of severe distructure...never the less I understand where your parallel comparison is deriding from... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted February 24, 2005 ^^^^^^^ Are you sure you understand, or do you require more time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumatatu Posted February 24, 2005 ^^ I do sxb...but do you envisage its impact or even fear its consequences? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted February 24, 2005 ^^^^ Oh good you had enough time, I am sure your mind is opening up to new perspectives. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumatatu Posted February 24, 2005 You have not answered either of my question Mr.Bari-bari, and am still waiting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted February 24, 2005 Mr.Bari-bari, I guess you have some hope if you are at least memorising the names of government officials. Keep up the good work son Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumatatu Posted February 24, 2005 ^^^Yeah enjoy while it lasts he..! after all it is coming to the end of the conveyer belt isnt it... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wind.talker Posted February 24, 2005 The U.S. position can't contradict the Addis Ababa position. Addis Ababa is America's eyes and ears in the Horn of Africa region - a region US military commanders have recently labelled as a potential haven for terrorists. If Zenawi voices the 'clean up terrorists' agenda, we all know GW Bush will go for it. Anything to root out 'terrorists.' 'Mr. Bari-Bari' LOL Good one JUMATATU.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted February 24, 2005 ^^^^ Indeed some do claim to see the future, I will leave it in by saying insha Allah Somalia will be back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
