To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the extent to which the Transitional Government enjoys popular support in Somalia; and if she will make a statement. (117447)

There is no objective measure of the popularity of the Transitional Federal Government.

The Transitional Federal Government was formed in 2004 out of the Nairobi peace process which brought together leaders from across Somali society to agree the Transitional Federal Charter. This included agreement to a constitutional process eventually leading to elections. All major clans are represented in the Transitional Federal Government, which is recognised by the international community as the key mechanism to restore peace, stability and governance to Somalia.

We are pressing the Transitional Federal Government to be inclusive and reach out to all Somalis in seeking a lasting and peaceful solution for Somalia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the extent to which the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) enjoys popular support in Somalia; and whether she classifies the ICU as a terrorist organisation. (117448)

There is no objective measure of the popularity of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC). The UIC has ceased to exist as an effective entity following the recent fighting. The UIC is not proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK.