Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 14 June 2006.

Somalia

Question: My Lords, is it correct that the Islamic Courts Union, which is the party that has taken over Mogadishu, has stated repeatedly that it does not wish to be regarded as an enemy of Somalia’s future and that it wishes to have friendly talks? If that is correct, will it be included in or consulted by the contact group?

Answer: My Lords, it has made those statements, which has encouraged the interim president, President Yusuf, to try to make contact with it. I believe that, as we meet, the efforts to make that contact and open a dialogue have started. My own view is that the international community through the contact group and through the United Nations Special Representative must try to speak to all those parties, not least to try to prevent fighting from continuing.

Secondary information