UN, EU lead criticism of US strike on Somalia

(PARIS) - The United Nations and European Union led international criticism Tuesday of the US air strikes on Somalia amid fears they could contribute to an escalation of the conflict in the Horn of Africa.

New UN chief Ban Ki-moon said he was "concerned" about the air strikes and the "new dimension this kind of action could introduce to the conflict, and the possible escalation of hostilities that may result," his spokeswoman said.

Michele Montas said the new UN secretary general, who assumed his post on January 1, was also "concerned the impact this could have on the civilian population in southern Somalia and regrets the reported loss of civilian life."

The EU said the air strikes, on suspected Al-Qaeda hideouts in southern Somalia, were "not helpful".

"Any incident of this kind is not helpful in the long term," said Amadeu Altafaj, spokesman for EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel.

The key to security in the region was to have Ethiopian troops, fighting Islamist forces on behalf of a weakened Somalia transitional government, withdraw from Somalia, and having an international force take their place to monitor a ceasefire, said Altafaj.

The United States confirmed earlier it had launched an air strike on suspected Al-Qaeda hideouts in southern Somalia in its first overt military intervention in the lawless nation since the early 1990s.

According to witness accounts, at least 19 civilians were killed.

Separately, Italy and Norway -- both members of the international contact group on Somalia -- sharply criticised the attack.

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo d'Alema said Rome was opposed to "unilateral initiatives that could spark new tensions in a region that is already highly unstable."

"Italy considers that international institutions, including those of a regional nature, should step up efforts conducive to a process of pacification within the country and with neighboring countries," he added.

Norway said Washington's explanation of its conduct in Somalia was "not sufficient" and said the fight against terrorism should be fought in a courtroom and not with military hardware.

"We support the fight against terrorism but we think that the best way to pursue the fight is in a court of law," Norwegian foreign ministry undersecretary Raymond Johansen told public service radio NRK.

"The explanations provided by the US are not sufficient," he added.

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