Peace Talks Fail In Somalia

(09 Jun 08 - RV) A U.N.-led peace initiative for Somalia appears to have failed, with government and opposition delegations refusing to meet face-to-face to try to end 18 years of conflict.

In the most recent diplomatic initiative both sides declined to meet directly, with the sticking point being the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia helping the government fight Islamist-led insurgents.

Bishop Giorgio Bertin is the Apostolic Administrator for Mogadishu.

He says that despite the failed talks there still remains room for hope.