Somali conference will tackle security and piracy

The top UN envoy for Somalia says an international conference next week will demonstrate political solidarity with the suffering Somali people and tackle security issues and global threats including piracy.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said the high-level meeting from May 21-23 in Istanbul, Turkey will not seek new funds for the conflict-wracked Horn of Africa nation but will provide a platform for Somalia's private sector, international businesses, and governments to launch new initiatives for reconstruction and job creation. (AP)