To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the security situation in Somalia following the recent attack on the Burundi contingent of the AU Mission in Somalia. (260268)

We condemn recent attacks on the Burundi and other contingents of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). These attacks appear to have been aimed at blocking progress towards a long-term political solution to Somalia's problems. We have been encouraged that, despite the attacks, both Burundi and Uganda intend to deploy further troops to AMISOM.

While the security situation in Somalia remains fragile, there are encouraging signs that the political process is developing momentum. The new Transitional Government convened for the first time in Mogadishu on 28 February 2009. With support from AMISOM, security personnel from the Transitional Government are in control of much of Mogadishu. We, and the rest of the international community, will continue to support President Sharif’s efforts to create a stable environment that will allow the new government to begin rebuilding the country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of allegations that Ethiopian troops have returned to Kalabeyrka in Somalia since the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the country in January 2009. (260779)

We are aware of media reporting of incursions by Ethiopian troops into Somalia since the withdrawal in January, including skirmishes with other forces. However, we have had no official confirmation.

It is important at this stage in the Djibouti process that President Sharif is offered the space by the international community to work towards reconciliation within Somalia. Outside actors should not take any action which has the potential to undermine this process.