S.Res. 71Senate110th Congress (2007-2009)In Committee

A resolution expressing support for the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic.

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SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1579)

Foreign Relations Committee

February 5, 2007

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

February 5, 2007

SenateIntro Referral

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1579-1580)

February 5, 2007

SenateIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1579)

Foreign Relations Committee

February 5, 2007

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about S.Res. 71 on the floor

1 Republican

Sen. James M. InhofeR-OK · Feb 5, 2007

Mr. President, recent events in Somalia have opened a unique window of opportunity. The Islamic Courts have been militarily defeated. However, the Ethiopian troops that are currently maintaining…

Mr. President, recent events in Somalia have opened a unique window of opportunity. The Islamic Courts have been militarily defeated. However, the Ethiopian troops that are currently maintaining order have stated that they have no intention of remaining. There are reports of

troop withdrawals back to the Ethiopian border. Without outside support I fear that the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Somalia as a whole will be swept back into the cycle of violence and chaos that has defined the country for the past 15 years.

I believe that the United States can make great progress in securing the Horn of Africa by what actions we take right now. First and foremost is security. Until the government troops can offer sustainable stability, we need to assist them. This solution need not include U.S. troops; I am aware of negotiations for the deployment of 8,000 troops from other African countries, including a force of about 1,000 from Uganda. Any efforts in this direction should be greatly encouraged.

The United States has no formal representative to the Somali Republic. The Transitional Federal Government has requested creating such a position.

We need to offer assistance and aid at this most crucial juncture. At an appropriate time the U.S. should encourage public and private investment, possibly through a trade mission. Other areas where help is greatly needed include security training, basic sanitation, water purification, and tax collection.

Perhaps most importantly, we should assist in any steps that can be taken to establish a national unity government. This will require groups from all sides of the spectrum getting together and working out serious solutions.

The United States can make great progress in securing the Horn of Africa by what actions we take right now. I am submitting a resolution expressing the following: support for the Transitional Federal Government; recognize Ethiopia, particularly Prime Minister Meles, and Kenya for the noble efforts aimed toward pursuing peace in Somalia and support for the United States in the War on Terror; and the U.S. should support and push efforts for serious multi-party talks aimed at establishing a national unity government.

There are a number of measures that should be taken at an appropriate time by the United States to promote stability. With the assistance of the U.S., the TFG will be better equipped to face the challenges of restoring peace to this war-torn country.

While I understand that the situation is volatile and some forms of assistance may not be immediately appropriate, I believe it is necessary to raise awareness that there are definite ways that we can affect progress. Please join me in supporting Somalia and bringing peace to this war-torn region.

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Introduced in SenateIssued February 5, 2007

III

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 71

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 5, 2007

Mr. Inhofe submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic.

Whereas, after the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, the main judicial system in Somalia devolved into a system of sharia-based Islamic courts, which have increased their power to include security and enforcement functions;

Whereas, in 2000, the courts consolidated to form the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), which came into conflict with secular warlords in the capitol city of Mogadishu by asserting its ever increasing power;

Whereas, the ICU is known to have links to Al-Qaeda and has provided a safe haven for members of Al-Qaeda;

Whereas, by June 2006, ICU forces controlled Mogadishu and much of southern Somalia, creating a potential haven for Islamic terrorists;

Whereas, in 2004, the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic (TFG) was formed in Kenya;

Whereas, in 2006, the TFG army joined forces with the army of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to sweep the ICU from power and, after a string of swift military victories, enter Mogadishu; and

Whereas, the current situation is still volatile, creating a short window of opportunity to positively affect Somalia’s stability and future status: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of the Senate that—

(1)

the Senate expresses its support for the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic;

(2)

the Senate recognizes Ethiopia, particularly Prime Minister Meles, and Kenya for the noble efforts aimed toward pursuing peace in Somalia and support for the United States in the War on Terror;

(3)

the United States should support and push efforts for serious multi-party talks aimed at establishing a national unity government in Somalia;

(4)

the United States should take several measures, at an appropriate time, to promote stability;

(5)

assistance from the United States will better equip the TFG to face the challenges of restoring peace to this war-torn country;

(6)

the United States should promote foreign investment in Somalia and facilitate financial and technical assistance to the TFG; and

(7)

the United States should aid the TFG to—

(A)

locate and free Somali-owned financial assets throughout the world;

(B)

solicit support from other friendly countries; and

(C)

encourage nongovernmental organizations to commit more resources and projects to Somalia.