UN: Somalia entering critical phase

Financial and logistical support is needed from the international community to help implement the transition plan under way in Somalia, a U.N. official said. The transitional governing period in Somalia ends in August. There hasn't been a functioning central government in Somalia since the 1990s. Augustine Mahiga, U.N. special envoy to Somalia, said full support is needed from the international community to help the country get through the critical phase. "As Somalia faces the greatest opportunity to end the transition, after so much investment by the international community and well-wishing Somalis, we must complete the tasks at hand," he said during his address. Interim authorities haven't approved a new constitution, selected a new Parliament or chosen new heads of state. Interim authorities, however, have managed to exert their authority beyond Mogadishu as an African-led effort to erase the threat posed by the militant al-Shabaab gains momentum. Delegates to the United Nations noted much of the responsibility lies with leaders in Somalia, however. "During the next four months, we have a unique opportunity to ensure that Somalia concludes its transition on time, but the onus remains on Somalia's leaders to seize this moment and establish a strong foundation for peace and stability," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said in a statement.