EU discuss to bring end to fighting in Somalia

Source: CCTV.com | 01-04-2007 09:43

The European Union has called on Somalia's interim government and Islamic militants to work together on a peace plan to be backed by Africa-led peacekeepers. European officials have met to discuss how the EU and other nations can help bring an end to fighting in the region.

European countries met on Wednesday to push for a revival of the peace process in Somalia. At the same time, Ethiopian warplanes backing the Somali government pursued Islamic militia trying to flee over the Somalia-Kenya border.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L), whose country took over the rotating European Union (EU) presidency on Jan. 1, attends a press conference with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt in Brussels, capital of Belgium, Jan. 3, 2007, after a meeting of foreign ministers of European members of the International Contact Group on Somalia. (Xinhua Photo)

An international Contact Group, including Sweden, Britain, Italy, the US and Tanzania, is set to meet on Friday in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. They'll discuss increasing humanitarian aid to Somalia and the setting up of an international peacekeeping force.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister, said, "We know we need to stabilize the humanitarian situation, and the European Commission will make its usual preparations. The International Somalia Contact Group will also meet on Friday to discuss whether there should be an international military presence in Somalia. The security council of the African Union has said it will discuss the issue after the meeting. And if there is to be an international presence, then it's best that it be one of African origin."

Meanwhile, Somali officials say the biggest difficulty they face is the possession of weapons by the civilian population.

The government has already ordered a countrywide disarmament in a bid to cement control over the country.

Mogadishu's airport and seaport reopened on Wednesday, giving access to aid from humanitarian agencies.

Editor:Du Xiaodan