Absence of central authority in Somalia laid foundations for terrorists, extremists to operate freely: IGAD Foreign Ministers

Addis Ababa, Feb. 15(ENA)--The Inter -Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Foreign Ministers Committee Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday said absence of a central authority over the last decade in Somalia favors terrorists and extremist groups to operate freely in that Horn of Africa country.

The communiqué issued following the meeting said the situation was threatening the national security of neighboring states.

The Committee urged the Transitional National Government and all other parties in Somalia to combat terrorism and reiterated that the establishment of peace and governance and combating terrorism in Somalia were inseparable.

The Committee underscored the urgent need of intensifying efforts in the national reconciliation process aimed at working towards a broad based and all-inclusive government while maintaining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the country.

Reiterating its commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting political settlement to the problems of Somalia, the Committee appealed, "to all Somali political leaders to participate in the reconciliation process in the interest of their people and country".

The Committee recognized the achievements attained thus far in the reconciliation process in the endeavor to work towards establishing an all-inclusive political framework in Somalia.

The Ministerial Committee appealed to the international community and humanitarian agencies to continue providing assistance to Somalia.

"... the effort to resolve the crisis in Somalia was a collective objective that required each and everyone's support," it said.

It also appealed for active involvement of the United Nations in the Somalia National Reconciliation process in the rehabilitation, and restoration of peace and stability in that war torn country.

(END)