World leaders back Somalia on fight against terror

Terrorism More support for AU peacekeepers agreedWorld leaders have pledged to boost support for measures to fight piracy, terrorism and political instability in Somalia, after a meeting in London.The conference agreed a seven-point plan promising more humanitarian aid, support for African Union peacekeepers and better international co-ordination.US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the world must keep Islamist militant group al-Shabab “on the run”.A two-decade war has wrecked Somalia, leaving it without a proper government.The current transitional government has direct control only in the capital, Mogadishu. It is propped up by 12,000 African Union (AU) peacekeepers.Al-Shabab militants, who recently joined with al-Qaeda, control large swathes of territory. Mrs Clinton ruled out talks with al-Shabab, saying that its decision to join forces with al-Qaeda showed “it is not on the side of peace, stability or the Somali people”.However, she said the international community was ready to engage with anyone willing to renounce violence and embrace the peace process.Somali officials had earlier urged targeted air strikes against al-Shabab targets, but Mrs Clinton said there was no case for that kind of action.UK Prime Minister David Cameron, hosting the conference, said setting up an inclusive government was vital to the country’s future, and that it must work alongside AU military action.“Those young people who take up guns for al-Shabab need to be able to see that there is a future in a prosperous stable Somalia that offers them what everyone wants, which is a job and a voice,” he told a news conference.“So the connection between military action to put huge pressure on Shabab, which has been happening, and the political process, they are two sides of the same coin.”In a final communique, the 55 countries and organisations gathered in London said they would:Back the handover of power from the transitional government to an inclusive administration by AugustProvide more support for African Union peacekeepersBetter co-ordinate humanitarian aid, shifting focus to long-term needsCrack down on piracy by expanding on agreements to bring suspects to trial in countries away from Somalia