U.S. pledges increased military support to Somalia

NAIROBI, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Saturday it would increase its military assistance to Somalia to help the transitional government restore sanity and the rule of law in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation. Addressing a news conference in Nairobi, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs Johnnie Carson also said the Obama administration has recently provided 10 million dollars as parts of Washington's contribution to the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Carson said that the funds would compliment the efforts of the pan-African military force to support a strong government in Somalia. He said the peace process in Somalia is facing enormous challenges, noting that this could be overcome if regional states and international community join hands in seeking lasting peace in Somalia. "The U.S. is glad that the Africa Union and IGAD (the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) did take up the issue of Somalia at the Summit in Libya and have taken a strong stance on the issue under their wings for close and careful consideration," said Carson. "The U.S. will continue to look for ways of providing support to the TFG (Transitional Federal Government)... This will include military support in terms of arms and material resources but not manpower." ..more..http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/05/content_11653604.htm