SOMALIA - LETTER FOR PRESIDENT BUSH FROM PRESIDENT

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000010 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR AND S/ES-O, AF/E, AF/RSA, AND A/S FRAZER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PGOV PREL ASEC MOPS SO ET KE SUBJECT: SOMALIA - LETTER FOR PRESIDENT BUSH FROM PRESIDENT ABDULLAHI YUSUF AHMED ¶1. Ambassador Ranneberger was presented the following letter today. The letter is dated December 30, 2006 Text of letter: Mr. President, I am writing to communicate with you the situation in Somalia in the light of the recent developments that, in my view present a better opportunity to achieve a lasting peace in Somalia. With opportunity however come challenges. We have tried our best to tackle the issues that face Somalia in the best way we know how. In our view, we feel Somalia have been neglected by the international community for so long. On the other hand, the troubles of our nation have been our fault and we are not blaming anybody. As a result progressive nations have to excuse us of what we have done to our people and to our country in past. We came thus far and we would want to move on and do good without dwelling into our gruesome past. The Transitional Government of Somalia would want to reach out to all sections of the Somali society and become more inclusive. We can go the extra mile and include the government with the moderates and with the most respected elements of the society. We are even ready to embrace those moderate members of the Islamic Courts Union who renounce violence although they are routed and disbanded. In the same vein we would like the international community to be more forthcoming in assisting Somalia in its quest for peace and good governance. Areas of our priorities and needs include: ¶1. Giving your assistance and support in the deployment of the African mission, the IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia (IGASOM). The Expedited Deployment would help us pacify and enhance security in Somalia. ¶2. The Transitional Federal Government urgently wants to implement and national security plan as envisioned in the National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP),which is endorsed by the Parliament and whose basis the IGASOM was authorized by the UNSC. However, without the help of the international community the plan would not be implemented. This is another area of priority without which the country would not be stabilized any time soon. ¶3. For the government's institutions to function the TFG needs serious programmes of capacity building. Financial, technical and material assistance are needed in this regard. As outlined above, there is a real chance to find a political solution to Somalia and a real opportunity for the international community to assist the government's efforts in the stabilization of the country. I would kindly entreat you not to fail Somalia in this critical period of our history. Please accept my kindest regards and esteem. /S/ Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed President of Somalia End Text of Letter RANNEBERGER