Istanbul conference raises hopes for war-torn Somalia

Dozens of nations have pledged to help Somalia build a strong police and military, achieve peace and stability and eradicate the piracy that has plagued international maritime trade. Country representatives who met in Istanbul at a three-day UN-sponsored conference for Somalia said on Saturday that strengthening law enforcement in the impoverished and lawless African nation was essential given the chaotic situation and deepening divisions among militant groups. "If we do not tackle the basic causes onshore, we will never be able to stop the piracy offshore," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said at the end of the conference. "Despite the risk ... the UN and the international community will not stand by and watch Somalia’s struggle alone." The conference participants -- representatives of 55 nations and 12 international organizations -- expressed "grave concern over the increase in acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea against vessels off the coast of Somalia," according to a joint statement released at the end of the meeting. The joint declaration said that "a bright future for Somalia is possible" and that the international community would offer support. Turkey signed a deal to provide military training to Somali soldiers. "We send a clear and strong message to the people of Somalia that they are not alone in the search for peace, reconciliation and prosperity after so many years of poverty, hardship and suffering," the declaration said. Ban thanked those offering training, but also noted, "We need to do more to pay them after that training." Speaking at a joint press conference following his bilateral meeting with Ban on the same day, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would never leave Somalia alone, highlighting the presence of historical ties between his country and Somalia. "Lending our best support is also a historical duty for us," Erdogan said.