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External intervention won't help Somalia -EU


RISDEL KASASIRA

KAMPALA
Saturday, March 24, 2007

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The Head of the European Commission in Uganda has said it is only through dialogue between the Islamic Courts Union and the Somali Interim government that peace will prevail in the war-stricken country.

Vicent DeVisscher said external efforts to bring peace may work as a temporary measure but will not bring peace for Somalis if the nationals don't reconcile.

"The solution to the Somalis is themselves. I had a privilege to serve in Somalia for two years. I believe no external solution can prevail. We can help temporarily but if there is no dialogue within Somalis themselves, it will be hard to find solutions," he said on KFM's Hot Seat talk show on Thursday.

At least 1,500 Uganda Peoples Defence Forces are in Somalia under the auspices of the African Union on a peace mission. Other African countries like Malawi, Burundi and Ghana have also promised to deploy in the Horn of Africa state to supplement Uganda's efforts.

Mr De Visscher, who was accompanied by German Ambassador in Uganda Alexander Muhlen, said the EU supports the efforts of the African Union in Somalia. "It is good that Africa can put efforts to own their problems and we really support these efforts," he said.

Dr Muhlen and Mr DE Visscher were discussing the way forward for the East Africa in Integration.Dr Muhlen said there are good signs that the East African federation could become a reality.

"The East African Community has taken bold steps on trade, the police, court of justice and the central bank," he said.

The three countries have common tariffs on trade, a joint police committee and the East African Court of justice in Arusha, Tanzania. "Fifty years ago, we didn't know that the European Union, which started with six countries, would be like it is today. We are now happy to celebrate 27 members," the German Ambassador said.

He said in June, the G8 - a group of eight richest countries in the world - is expected to unveil a "special micro finance initiative" for Africa during its annual summit in June in Germany. He said the Ugandan government should focus more on the Poverty eradication Action plan, which is 'the future plan to get Ugandans out of poverty".
Dr Muhlen said Uganda cannot be compared to Zimbabwe because Uganda is democratic.

"Everyday, we are in talks with the government to discuss when things go wrong. The development partners contribute 46 per cent to the national budget. So there are lots of good activities going on here," he said.

Source: Daily Monitor, Mar 24, 2007

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