Belgium, November 17, 2005 (HAN) – The European Union (EU) called on Wednesday for greater efforts in maintaining stability in Somalia following the attempted assassination of Somali prime minister. The EU Commissioner Michel stressed that “wait and see is not an option for Somalia ” and that stability in this country is a “test case for the new EU Strategy for Africa ”.  

He reaffirmed the European Union’s unwavering support to the Transitional Federal Institutions and the reestablishment of governance in Somalia . He also expressed support for the Prime Minister’s initiative in fostering dialogue within the Institutions.

Somalian Prime Minister, met EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, in Brussels Wednesday and exchanged views on EU-Somalia relations.  

The two sides also discussed the latest political developments and unrest and the humanitarian situation in Somalia .  

''I promised him the very strong support of the EU in all his actions. We will deepen the cooperation between the EU and Somalia ,'' Michel said after the meeting.  

Michel announced his intention to sign soon a Memorandum of Understanding with Somalia to open the doors for the country to join the Cotonou Agreement written.  

The Commissioner said he will be traveling to Somalia between 11 - 15 January.  

On his part, Ghedi, said the EU was always committed to support the people of Somalia during the hard period, during the civil strive.  

''We recognize that the EU plays a very prominent role in the Somalian National Reconciliation Conference. The EU is our major donor,'' he said.

Commissioner Michel and Prime Minister Ali Gedi discuss the challenges to security and political transition in Somalia

The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, held talks with Prime Minister Ali Gedi of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. This exchange focused on the recent developments in the Somali peace process in the wake of the attempted assassination to the Prime Minister on 6 November.  

Louis Michel announced that more than € 10 million have been earmarked for the purpose of assisting the Somali Government to provide a secure environment and that the Commission could provide further € 49 million to support Somalia ’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), in parallel to progress in stabilization and entry into force of representative and working institutions. The Commissioner called on all Somali leaders to follow the example of the EU and put their differences aside for the common interest of the Somali institutions and citizens.  

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