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Somalia

Egypt ready to deal positively with initiatives to settle Somali conflic

Egypt is ready to respond positively to any initiative meant to contribute to settling the Somali issue, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossam Zaki said Saturday 19/12/2009.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit delegated his Assistant for African Affairs Mona Omar to take part in the 16th session of the International Contact Group on Somalia hosted on December 17-18 by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jeddah.

Omar reviewed Egypt's vision on means to reach a just and comprehensive settlement to the conflict in Somalia.

She urged the international community to support the Somali interim government.

Omar called on all parties to adhere to the relevant UN resolutions and take positive steps toward realizing Somali reconciliation.

Zaki voiced appreciation of efforts exerted by the African peacekeeping force in Somalia.

He added that Egypt will continue holding contacts with regional and international players concerned-including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Djibouti Ethiopia, Eritrea, the US and France, to defuse tension in Somalia and launch a genuine reconciliation process grouping all Somali parties.