Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman,  Office of the Spokesman
Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
May 14, 2009

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The United States urges the Government of the State of Eritrea to stop fanning the flames of violence in Somalia. Over the past week, extremists in Mogadishu have repeatedly attacked the people of Somalia and the Transitional Federal Government in pursuit of a radical agenda that can only promote further acts of terrorism and lead to greater regional instability. Eritrea has been instrumental in facilitating support of the extremists to commit these attacks. This support must cease immediately. Eritrea’s support for anti-government forces in Somalia is a serious obstacle to the possibility of a more normal relationship with the United States.

The United States calls on all parties to the conflict in Mogadishu to implement an immediate cease-fire and permit humanitarian assistance to be delivered safely.

Source: U.S. Department of State