Intro:

For the first time in decades, Somalia has the chance to become a functioning state: a compelling reason why the international community should provide more support for the country’s development.

That’s the opinion expressed by UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Somalia, Peter de Clercq, speaking from London on Tuesday.

Mr de Clercq, who is also a deputy head at the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), was in the British capital to participate in an international conference on the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa country.

He told Dianne Penn why the global spotlight needs to remain on Somalia as it recovers from protracted drought followed by successive failed rains.