US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger

Nairobi, Kenya, 17 Jan, 2007 - Caption: US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger says America is committed to ensuring peace in Somalia.

The United states has maintained that its attack on Somalia was directed at Al Qaeda cells saying the influx of suspected Al Qaeda suspects in the country were worrying.

US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger insists that American intention in carrying out attacks has been misconstrued as interference.

Ranneberger said America was committed to ensuring peace is restored in the war torn country and called on the international community to take part in efforts to bring peace to Somalia.

Addressing an international press conference at the US embassy Ranneberger acknowledged Kenya's efforts in brokering peace among the warring parties.

He said America was mobilizing peace support troops from African countries and also pledged 40 million US dollars to Somalia but added that the money will only be released once the country stabilizes.

Somalia has been rocked with civil war for the last 16 years, which has left many people killed, and thousands displaced.

Source: KBC