Udskrift fra den daglige pressekonference af udenrigsminister Hillary Clintons talsmand Ian Kelly.
QUESTION: Can we go to Somalia? Is the United States providing weapons to the transitional government in Somalia? And if so, are those – what kind of weapons? Are they U.S. weapons and ammunition, or are they simply funded by the United States, bought elsewhere, and then sent there?
MR. KELLY: As you know, we remain deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Mogadishu and attacks against the Transitional Federal Government. At the request of that government, the State Department has helped to provide weapons and ammunition on an urgent basis. This is to support the Transitional Federal Government’s efforts to repel the onslaught of extremist forces, which are intent on destroying the Djibouti peace process and spoiling efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia through political reconciliation.
Any State Department – let me just finish.
QUESTION: Please. Sorry, I thought you had.
MR. KELLY: Any State Department assistance to the TFG underscores our longstanding policy of supporting the Djibouti peace process. This is also supported by the international community and follows on to our participation in International Contact Group meetings in Somalia.
QUESTION: As you know, the UN Security Council has had a longstanding ban on arms shipments to Somalia. But I believe in May, they, I think, passed a resolution that would allow for this, provided that such shipments were approved by the relevant UN committee. Did the United States seek and obtain the approval of the committee and, therefore, this does not in any way violate UN resolutions?
MR. KELLY: Well, Arshad, it’s my understanding that all this assistance is provided in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
QUESTION: And is there – can you – what – two things: One, what kind of weapons and arms are the – and ammunition is this? And second, is it U.S. weaponry and ammunition, or are you buying it elsewhere?
MR. KELLY: Arshad, I just don’t have that information, I’m afraid.
QUESTION: Could you take those? Would you mind?
MR. KELLY: If I can get the information, I’ll be happy to give it to you.
QUESTION: Thank you.
QUESTION: And when this was transferred, please?
MR. KELLY: I understand we’re providing it on an urgent basis. In terms of the exact chronology of it, I’m not sure. But it is – we’re providing it on an urgent basis.
Kilde: US State Department
