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