Europe to discuss Somali crisis

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European members of the International Somalia Contact Group have been called to Brussels to discuss how Europe can help peace efforts in Somalia.

German Foreign Minister Franz-Walter Steinmeier called the meeting, which will bring together Britain, Italy, Sweden and Norway.

In recent days Somali and Ethiopian armed forces have taken over much of south Somalia from Islamist militias.

A German statement said Europe hoped to help the reconciliation process.

Germany currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

The meeting, set for Brussels on Wednesday, will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and a member of the European Commission.

The Ethiopian prime minister has said Ethiopian troops could be withdrawn within weeks, though his Somali counterpart says he wants them to stay longer to help stabilise the country, which has been largely ungoverned for 15 years.

The International Somalia Contact Group was set up in June 2006 to support "peace and reconciliation" in Somalia. It also includes Tanzania and the United States.