SECRETARY CLINTON:  Just this week in Australia we have been reminded that there are those who would use Somalia as a training ground for attacks around the world. No one knows better than the president the challenges facing Somalia and his people.

SECRETARY CLINTON:  If al-Shabab were to obtain a haven in Somalia which could then attract al-Qaida and other terrorist actors it would be a threat to the United States.

SECRETARY CLINTON:   The United States is supporting the African Union's commitment through AMISOM (African Union Mission to Somalia), we believe that is exactly the right approach to take and we are supporting the training and equiping of the TFG (Transitional Federal Government) forces, which is after all in the front of this fight to regain control of Somalia away from the violent extremists

SECRETARY CLINTON:  And with respect to Eritrea we are making it very clear that their actions are unacceptable their interference with the rights of the Somali people to determine their own future are the height of misplaced efforts and funding and we intend to take action if they do not cease.