§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote action in the international community to assist Somalia towards peace and reconstruction.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe maintain regular contact with partners in the EC and the UN regarding Somalia. On 28 November the EC and member states issued a statement urging the parties to seek peace and reconciliation.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his current assessment of the situation in Somalia.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThere is no government in Somalia commanding national acceptance. Factional fighting continues, and is particularly heavy in Mogadishu. The north of Somalia, which is relatively peaceful and stable has purported to declare independence. Local leaders have promised a referendum and elections in 1993. We have not recognised the north's purported secession.