FCO minister meet president of Somalia

Lord Triesman, foreign office minister for Africa and Hilary Benn, international development secretary, met the president of the transitional government of Somalia yesterday.

After a sustained period of conflict, the transitional government extended its control over Somalia at the end of last year.

Lord Triesman welcomed president Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed's efforts to bring peace and reconciliation to the African nation.

"We welcome President Yusuf's commitment to reconciliation in Somalia and will support him in his efforts to establish representative, inclusive institutions in Somalia with the support of the people of Somalia," he said.

"We believe this will help bring peace, stability and democracy to Somalia for the first time in many years."

Hilary Benn echoed support for the nation and noted that the country faces a huge humanitarian task.

He said: "The challenge of reconstructing and developing Somalia is immense. Four out of five children do not go to school. The average life expectancy is 47 and nearly a quarter of children die before the age of five.

"But genuine reconstruction will only happen if there is true reconciliation, including a reconciliation congress and lasting peace in the country."