LETTER FROM THE SOMALI ISLAMIC COURTS: A PROPOSED

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 002653

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2026
TAGS: PREL PTER PINS PGOV PHUM SO
SUBJECT: LETTER FROM THE SOMALI ISLAMIC COURTS: A PROPOSED
RESPONSE


Classified By: Political Counselor Larry Andre, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
.


1. (C) Post received a letter from the Union of Islamic
Courts (UIC) June 12 (e-mailed to AF/E). The letter, similar
to other missives issued by the UIC, portrays the UIC as a
largely benevolent entity interested primarily in the
well-being of the residents of Mogadishu. The letter lists
the organization's key objectives as:
- creating a peaceful climate in Mogadishu
- securing the city and allowing legitimate humanitarian
agencies to provide services
- engaging the TFG to advance the Somali peace process and
start reconstruction of the country, and
- helping establish a government elected by the people and
accountable to them.


2. (C) Because this letter was addressed directly to the
Ambassador, Post believes this provides us an appropriate
opportunity to communicate with the UIC. This is an
opportunity for the UIC to demonstrate its stated
anti-terrorist credentials by turning over al Qaida personnel
in areas it controls. Post proposes the following response:

BEGIN TEXT

Thank you very much for your letter of June 12.

My government has noted your repeated declarations of
peaceful intent. We trust that these fine words will be
turned into action through dialogue with the Transitional
Federal Government. We look forward to the time when all
Somalis can live peacefully in a country with an accountable
and representative government.

I particularly note your letter's indication that the Union
of Islamic Courts is firm in its rejection of any form of
terrorism. This is an issue that is of critical importance
to my government. The manner in which you address the
foreign al Qaida presence in Mogadishu will determine for us
your intentions for Somalia and its relations with the
outside world. If you turn over these individuals to face
justice for the murders and other terrorist acts they have
perpetrated and continue to plan, we will have a clear signal
of your desire to contribute positively to the establishment
of a peaceful, stable and responsible Somali state. If,
however, these individuals are allowed to continue to find
refuge within territories controlled by the UIC, our
conclusion will be that your Union is complicit with an
entity that has taken the lives of innocent Kenyans,
Tanzanians, Americans, and Somalis, and intends to do so
again. Our actions will be determined accordingly. As my
government has stated repeatedly, we will work with anyone
who will help us counter the terrorist threat emanating from
Somalia, specifically Mogadishu.

I sincerely hope we can work together to strengthen the
Transitional Federal Institutions, bring peace and
development to the Somali people, and eliminate the terrorist
threat within Somalia.

END TEXT.


3. (C) Post is standing by for the Department's response to
this recommended course of action.




BELLAMY