A/HRC/10/85 page 8 to the ARS. They reassured me of their desire for peace in Somalia. It was encouraging to learn from them that among those who are still opposed to the accord, many are gradually coming around on the side of peace. The fact remains, however, that the ARS Asmara, the remaining main opposition grouping, as well as so-called Al Shabab or other armed groups, are still a considerable force to reckon with and it will be a long way for peace to be established in Somalia, as long as they stay out of the peace process. To my mind this will be the main challenge for the TFG, ARS and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to deal with. 13. In my talks with the then Prime Minister, Nur Hassan Hussein, I reminded him of the letter I had written to him after our first meeting in July 2008. He told me that he had read it carefully. I then shared with him my concerns about the continuing and intensified human rights and humanitarian law violations in his country in more recent months. I shall summarize his responses in the paragraphs below. 14. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the deteriorating human rights situation in Somalia was indeed a matter of concern for him and his Government. They considered that to correct the situation, the role of religion, clans and clan elders is critical. Somalia had inherited a culture where clan elders and traditional leaders used to play a protection and reconciliation role between parties in a conflict. These values have been largely destroyed in the South and Central region by war and the gunmen. Fortunately they have survived in “Somaliland” and “Puntland”. One of the Prime Minister’s goals was to help revive these traditional values in the rest of Somalia as a means to resolve the conflict and contribute to reconciliation. 15. The then Prime Minister added that, while it is indeed the task of the Government to protect human rights, his Government did not have the necessary capacity to do so, particularly when the opposition is exerting so much violence against it and the people. In order to make an impact, the TFG must have its capacity enhanced. It needs the support of the international community in this regard. The Prime Minister asked me to convey this message to the international community. 16. As examples of his Government’s achievements, the Prime Minister mentioned the recent decentralization of the Banadir Administration and the agreement between TFG and ARS on the enlargement of TFP and the establishment of a Government of National Unity. He also added that those who were displaced between Afgooye and Mogadishu in June-July welcomed the new administration of Banadir and were encouraged to return home. 17. Responding to my concern about incidents such as the stoning to death of a young girl, Aisha Ibrahim Dhuhulow, in Kismayo, on 27 October, and the recent targeting and assassination of women human rights defenders, United Nations staff and journalists, the Prime Minister told me that he was himself very saddened by what happened in Kismayo. However, because the place is outside his Government’s control, there was not much he could do about it. He feared, however, that without increased international support to the Government, such cases could occur repeatedly. He hoped that the enlargement of the Parliament and the establishment of a Government of National Unity would improve the human rights situation.