Italian PM vows continuation of support for Somalia

ROME, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Thursday vowed to continue to support Somalia's stability and safety.
His remarks came during his reception of Somali counterpart Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed at Palazzo Chigi in Rome earlier today.
A statement by the premiership office here said Berlusconi promised Italy's "political and financial support" for the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia.
The talks, attended by Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, focused on security issues in the African country, as well as counterterrorism and organized crime combating schemes, in addition to fighting offshore piracy before the Horn of Africa, the statement noted.
It also pointed out that Italy is the first European country to be visited by Mohamed since assuming power in the violence-striven country.
Mohamed had called on Italy to offer urgent help to address impacts of drought in his country to avoid a human tragedy that could jeopardize the lives of 2.5 million people. (end) mn.hb KUNA 210043 Jan 11NNNN