Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NAIROBI2758
2006-06-25 12:10:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:  

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRAZER'S MEETING WITH SOMALI

Tags:  PREL PGOV PTER MARR EAID KISL SO 
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DE RUEHNR #2758 1761210
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O 251210Z JUN 06
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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2664
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C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 002758 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2026
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER MARR EAID KISL SO
SUBJECT: ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRAZER'S MEETING WITH SOMALI
PARLIAMENT SPEAKER SHARIF HASSAN SHEIKH ADEN


Classified By: A/S Frazer, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 002758

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2026
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER MARR EAID KISL SO
SUBJECT: ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRAZER'S MEETING WITH SOMALI
PARLIAMENT SPEAKER SHARIF HASSAN SHEIKH ADEN


Classified By: A/S Frazer, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In a June 21 meeting with Somali
Parliamentary Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, Assistant
Secretary Frazer highlighted U.S. priorities for Somalia and

SIPDIS
expressed concerns about territorial expansion by the Union
of Islamic Courts (UIC). Sharif Hassan had similar concerns
about the nature of the UIC. He believed dialogue was the
best avenue for addressing Somalia's current problems, but
was non-committal about expectations for the upcoming
Transitional Federal Institution (TFI) - UIC talks in
Khartoum. He expressed his opposition to the use of troops
from front line states to intervene in Somalia and asked that
the U.S. continue to use its leverage with these governments
to block such action. Frazer advised that the U.S.G. is in
the process of identifying additional resources to enhance
our engagement with Somalia, but our ability to engage
remains hindered by the presence of three al Qaida members in
Mogadishu. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Jendayi Frazer met June 21 in Nairobi with Sharif Hassan
Sheikh Aden, Speaker of the Somali Transitional Federal
Parliament. Frazer informed the Speaker of the outcome of
the recent Contact Group meeting, emphasizing the group's
strong endorsement for assisting and empowering the TFIs.
She also highlighted the U.S. priorities of supporting the
Somali people with humanitarian assistance, ensuring regional
stability and countering the terrorist threat emanating from
Somalia. She expressed concerns about Union of Islamic Court
expansion, and raised questions about the nature of the Union
and its intentions. She urged greater inclusivity within the
TFIs, noting a particular need to reach out to the Ayr
sub-clan.


3. (C) Sharif Hassan appreciated and shared our concerns
regarding the nature of the UIC. He cautioned against
understimating the linkages and intricacies of Somali
society. His firm belief was that the most practical way to
address Somalia's current problems was through dialogue.
While there are elements within the UIC that may be hostile
to dialogue, these are a small minority within the group.
His aim would be to place emphasis on the prospects for a
positive partnership with the UIC. The worst thing the TFIs
could do, he said, would be to deny the existence of the UIC.


4. (C) Regarding negotiations with the UIC, Sharif Hassan
expressed a desire to have discussions with the group, but
said it was hard to determine the affiliations and intentions
of the group's leadership. He concurred that the UIC likely
had as part of its strategy a desire to establish itself as
an alternative to the TFIs. However, if the TFIs act
responsibly, they could limit the UIC's ability to present
itself as a counter force.


5. (C) Sharif Hassan noted the UIC was able to use the issue
of IGAD troops as a propaganda weapon. He advised against
using the proposed IGAD Mission for Somalia (IGASOM) or front
line states to help stabilize Somalia, instead floating the
possibility of using a UN force, with logistical support from
the front line states. He asked that the U.S. continue to
use its leverage to block the entry of troops from the front
line states. In addition, he noted that the reasons for the
UN arms embargo must be removed.


6. (C) When asked what the U.S. might do to transition from
the current state of relations, Frazer responded that we
would start with greater diplomatic support for the TFIs.
She advised that we are in the process of trying to obtain
greater resources for engagement, and would ultimately like
to find a means of establishing a presence in Somalia. In
addition, our position on the arms embargo is under review.
She pointed out, however, that the presence of three al Qaida
members in Mogadishu complicates our ability to engage in
Somalia. Our ability to influence front line states will
also be affected by the actions of the UIC. If the UIC stops
its expansion, the U.S. may be able to continue to hold off
external intervention, but the front line states are clearly
and prudently engaged in contingency planning to be prepared,
if necessary, to respond to further advances.


7. (U) This message was cleared by Assistant Secretary Frazer.
BELLAMY