NAIROBI, Apr 20, 2006 – The United States on Thursday appealed for calm in Somalia, urging leaders to work together and exercise restrain as tension mounts over a new round of fighting for control of the capital, Mogadishu.

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Nairobi urged the Somali leaders to seek reconciliation through dialogue, calling on all parties to cooperate with the Transitional Federal institutions.

"In response to reports of increasing tensions in Mogadishu, the United States calls upon all Somalis to work together to encourage restraint and calm in the city," the US said in a statement.

"Provocations and fresh outbreaks of violence in Mogadishu can serve only the interests of extremist elements," it added.

The US statement came amid reports that two factions which recently clashed in Mogadishu are moving militias to strategic positions for a fresh round of battle for control of the Somali capital.

Mogadishu residents said tension in the city was high as each side stockpiled weapons and ammunition, moved fighters into position and strengthened their 'technicals' -- flat-bed trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns.

Over 100 people died last month in Mogadishu's worst battles in years, between militias linked to the Islamic courts and those tied to the Mogadishu Anti-Terrorism Coalition, comprising most of the capital's powerful warlords.

"The United States urges all parties to seek reconciliation through dialogue and cooperation with the Transitional Federal Institutions," the US said in a statement.

Besides deaths, more than 300 wounded, and thousands of families were displaced last month.

The fighters have been observing a temporary cease-fire from last month but efforts to secure a permanent cease-fire between rival militias have hit a snag after one of the groups delayed sending emissaries to the venue of the talks.

Many Somalis believe the United States is funding the influential warlords as part of Washington's war on terrorism but the U.S. government denies it.

Source: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

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