Press Release: The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia condemns in the strongest terms the kidnapping of the medical staff who were working in the Somali region in Ethiopia and who were later moved to the central regions of Somalia. This is an unacceptable behaviour and cannot be condoned by anyone and the government demands their unconditional release.

The Government is in contact with the local elders of the regions of Somalia to which they were moved in order to facilitate their release. We would like to assure the families of those kidnapped that the Government will not take any action that would endanger the lives of their loved ones.

The TFG is trying its utmost to rid Somalia of the scourge of kidnapping and piracy. The international community must help the government in its effort to restore law and order in Somalia by providing assistance to train and equip the security and armed forces. It is also imperative to build the institutions that are necessary for democratic governance.

The TFG of Somalia is very grateful for the humanitarian assistance that Japan gives to the Somalia people through the agencies of the United Nations. As you must be aware through the media, there are a large number of people who were displaced by the fighting in a number of places in the country. These internally displaced people need urgent assistance. We would like to urge the government of Japan to increase this humanitarian assistance to Somalia so that these displaced people would not suffer any more than they are suffering.

Thank you.

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