Egypt Concerned Over Recent Escalation Of Somali Conflict -- Abul-Gheit

CAIRO , Oct 22, 2006 – Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit expressed on Sunday his country's concern over the recent developments in Somalia and the attempts of warring parties to control more positions by force.

In a press release after meeting special envoy of U.N. secretary general Francois Fall, Abul-Gheit called on the Somali government and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) to heed to the language of dialogue, rather than force, and implement the agreed-upon accords in the recent Khartoum round of talks particularly refraining from use of force.

The minister told Fall Egypt was very interested in the continuation of Arab League-sponsored dialogue between the Somali interim government and the UIC. Egypt participated in the dialogue since its very beginning, Abul-Gheit added, highlighting the responsibility of all international and regional players to support the Somali peace talks.

Egypt keeps close eyes on the developments of the situation in Somalia through its bilateral contacts with Somali parties and Somalia's neighboring countries and through its membership in the Arab League-affiliated Somalia Commission, he noted.

The minister expressed hope that the next round of talks would be held on time and that every side abstain from any move which could destabilize the talks.

Source: KUNA