Extremism in Somalia among "biggest problems" - Clinton

WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said late Tuesday the threat of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab in Somalia pose one of the "biggest problems" in Africa. Speaking in front of a conference of U.S. ambassadors and chiefs of missions to African countries gathered in Washington that the U.S. has a dual track effort to help expand the Djibouti peace process, contain Al Shabaab, and grow governance and development efforts in Somalia. "This is one of our hardest problems, and we welcome any ideas you may have, " Clinton told the diplomats. She also outlined U.S. efforts to ensure the government of Sudan implements the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and completes the January 2011 referenda. However, she conceded how "difficult" it is dealing with Khartoum.
"It is going to be hard, and it is difficult to deal with Khartoum, try to figure out what they want and how they are intending to go forward," she said. "But we are absolutely committed to doing everything we can," the chief US diplomat added.
Sudan set November 14 as the start date for voter registration in a historic vote on independence for the south. Under a 2005 peace agreement that ended the continents longest civil war, the south is to vote on January 9 on whether to become independent or to remain part of a united Sudan. (end) hy.mt KUNA 060909 Oct 10NNNN