LOC09:08
06:08 GMT
WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will
begin Thursday a four-nation trip to London and North Africa, the State
Department announced here Tuesday.
State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement that in
London, Clinton will attend a conference hosted by British Prime Minster David
Cameron, "dedicated to building stability and peace in Somalia," which is
expected to be attended by heads of state and foreign ministers from over 50
countries, in addition to representatives of the United Nations and the
African Union.
"The timing of the conference is significant as it convenes six months
prior to the end of Somalia's political transition," due on August 20.
Clinton will then travel to Tunisia on February 24-25, to participate in
the first meeting of the "Friends of Syria" group "as part of our ongoing
efforts with our friends, allies, and the Syrian opposition to crystallize
next steps to halt the slaughter of the Syrian people and pursue a transition
to democracy in Syria," according to the statement.
It indicated that Clinton will meet with Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi
Jebali and members of civil society "to discuss bilateral cooperation and
Tunisia's progress in its democratic transition."
The US top diplomat will also be in Algeria on February 25, where she will
meet with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika "to discuss domestic developments,
preparations for the May 10 parliamentary elections, and challenges facing the
region."
As for her trip to Morocco on February 25-26, the statement noted that
Clinton will meet with Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, as well as members
of civil society," before presiding over a groundbreaking for the new US
Embassy in Rabat." (end)
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