Russ Feingold: “given the continuing instability in Somalia, the growing tensions between the Transitional Federal Government and the…”

“given the continuing instability in Somalia, the growing tensions between the Transitional Federal Government and the Islamic Courts Union, ICU, and the worsening humanitarian conditions throughout the country, it is more essential than ever that the U.S. Government and the international community engage fully in efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict that has plagued Somalia for more than 15 years. Most immediately, it is essential that the ICU recognize the legitimacy of the TFG and that it engage in good-faith efforts to support the TFG's role and authority as Somalia's legitimate Government. The ICU must take immediate actions to begin assisting the TFG to extend its authority to Mogadishu, and it must do so in a transparent and expeditious manner. The international community must also play a productive--and more aggressive--role. The United Nations must address this issue immediately and must make the necessary decisions and actions to allow for every option and tool for establishing stability in Somalia to be pursued. It is clear that both regional and international efforts must be strengthened and coordinated more effectively, and we must heed the calls of international humanitarian organizations on the ground for additional humanitarian assistance to increasingly vulnerable populations there. Somalia's neighbors must be cautious and patient as conditions within Somalia continue to change.…”