SOMALIA - PRESS STATEMENT ON MOGADISHU VIOLENCE

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000986 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S CARSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER KPAO SO SUBJECT: SOMALIA - PRESS STATEMENT ON MOGADISHU VIOLENCE -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) In response to the fighting in Mogadishu in recent days and reports of foreign fighters involved in the attacks, post released the press statement below to Somali media outlets on May ¶14. End Summary. -------------- Press Statement -------------- ¶2. (U) The text of the press statement follows: Begin text. U.S. Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya Press Release May 14, 2009 U.S. Denounces Violence, Supports TFG The Government of the United States condemns the recent attacks on the Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu that have forced thousands of Somalis from their homes. The extremists who are instigating these attacks have no regard for the well-being of Somalis, and are undermining the peaceful efforts of the legitimate government to further national reconciliation. The United States is particularly disturbed at reports that foreign fighters and those who rejected dialogue in 2006 are participating in this effort to forcibly remove a legitimate Somali government from power. The United States, in concert with the international community, strongly supports President Sharif and the TFG, and commends the important progress the TFG has made in the past several months. End text. RANNEBERGER