SOMALI REPUBLIC
Ministry of Internal Affairs
The Minister

September 25, 2001
The Honorable Colin Powell Secretary of State
U.S. State Department Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr secretary:

Immediately after the destruction of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, The Transitional National Government of Somalia Dr. Abdiqasim S.Hassan, the prime Minister of Somalia Dr. Ali Khalif, and myself sent a letter of condolence to the President of the United States of America, Mr George W. Bush.

Again we hope the prayers of millions of Somali Muslims will help sustain the President and the American people at this tragic time. Though the Somali Government has joined the international community in their condemnation of terrorism in New York and Washington, some news reports have been disseminated by those who want to tarnish the reputation of the Somali Government.

These reports allege that Usama bin Laden has ties to the Somali government. The Somali government rejects these unfounded and baseless accusations. We would like to share with you and the international community that the Somali government has neither direct nor indirect relations with Usama bin Laden or the Al-Qaydah terrorist organization.

The Somali government further states that it will help America meet the challenges to international peace and order. Having suffered more terrorist casualties than any other country in the last decade, Somalia has every interest in being at America's side as we prepare the ground for what President Bush has called the first war of the 21st century.

The Somali government once again is determined to stand with the Americans as the Americans stood with Somalia during Operation Restore Hope. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom and may He watch over our two nations.

With Highest Regards,
Dahir Mohamed Sheikh-Nur
Minister of Internal Affairs Somali Republic