Brussels, 23/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 23 April, the foreign affairs ministers of the EU voiced their deep concern at the escalation of the conflict and the fresh outbreaks of fighting in Somalia, and strongly condemned the deaths of civilian populations in Mogadishu and the surrounding area. In its conclusions, the Council stresses the obligation on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, and launches an appeal for guaranteed access to populations in need of help. The Council reaffirms its support for the federal transitional institutions as the only legitimate authorities to restore peace, stability and governance in Somalia, and urges the federal transitional government to launch an inclusive political process, paying particular attention to the need to give the broadest possible basis to the Mogadishu administration. The Council urges the federal transitional government to convene the national reconciliation Congress as soon as possible and states its preparedness to provide assistance, financially or in any other way. It reaffirms its full support to the mission of the African Union in Somalia (AMISOM). (an)