The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, Francois Lonseny Fall, today urged delegations from the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts to enter into a meaningful and constructive dialogue that begins to address key issues that divide them. "We believe that resolving problems through mutual consultation and dialogue is the best way forward at this point in time," he said in opening remarks to those attending the talks. "Consultation and dialogue are not new to you, my Somali brothers. They are an important part of your traditions; they are the very essence of your culture; and they are also in accordance with the values of Islam. This is how you have solved your problems peacefully for centuries. This is how you must overcome the challenges that confront you now."