§ 37. Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his latest assessment of the situation in Somalia and the position of Somali refugees in Ethiopia; and whether he will press for further international efforts to achieve peace.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThere has been a serious outbreak of fighting in Mogadishu between Government and rebel forces and the situation remains confused. British embassy staff and the British community were evacuated on 6 January for their own safety. Somali refugees in Ethiopia are in the care of UNHCR and in no immediate danger. We are continuing to work with other countries on efforts to bring reconciliation and peace to Somalia.