Somalia: TFG Clarifies South Ossetia, Abkhazia Stance

UNCLAS NAIROBI 002312 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KPAO PREL PGOV SO SUBJECT: Somalia: TFG Clarifies South Ossetia, Abkhazia Stance -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Transitional Federal Government (TFG) Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Jama said in an October 7 press conference that the TFG had no plans to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Jama stated that the Somali Ambassador to Moscow had been recalled to Somalia to explain any statements that were made on the subject. Jama concluded that Somalia is not in a position to recognize the two regions, and is in fact "not seized" with this issue at all. End summary. -------------- TFG "Not Seized" with This Issue -------------- ¶2. (U) On the heels of Somali Ambassador to Russia Mohammed Khandule's recent statement to Russian media that Somalia will recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Transitional Federal Government (TFG) Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Jama hosted a press conference at the Somalia embassy in Nairobi to clarify the TFG's stance. Jama opened the press conference, with approximately 25 international, Kenyan and Somali journalists present, with a statement that the TFG had "neither discussed nor made a decision" on recognition of the two regions. Jama said reports that the TFG would recognize the two regions were "totally false." ¶3. (U) Jama stated that Khandule had been recalled to Somalia to clarify whether he had made any statements on this subject, and, if so, what he had said. Jama appeared to have no firm grasp of what, if anything, Khandule may have said or claimed to have said. Asked if Khandule has been relieved of his duties, Jama said Khandule had merely been called back for consultations, and that a decision on his future as Ambassador would be reached following an investigation. ¶4. (SBU) Mohamed Osman Aden, Political Counselor at the Somalia embassy, confirmed to Emboff that Khandule was en route to Somalia, via Dubai, but Aden did not know when Khandule he would arrive in Somalia. Aden stated that Khandule is indeed the TFG's appointed Ambassador to Russia and that he had been "reconfirmed" in the recent past. SLUTZ