To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her assessment is of the (a) security and (b) political situation in the Horn of Africa; and if she will make a statement. (101976)

I am concerned at the increasing tension in the Horn of Africa. The Union of Islamic Courts is threatening the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia. Tension continues between Ethiopia and Eritrea over their disputed border. Further conflict would have severe humanitarian consequences and could destabilise the entire region. We are continuing to work with our international partners and with regional governments to achieve peaceful solutions to these disputes.