SOMALIA: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT

UNCLAS STATE 026720

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL SO XA XW
SUBJECT: SOMALIA: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT


1. USUN is instructed to join consensus on the UN Security
Council press statement on Somalia to be adopted on March 20
(para 2). USUN should refer any further substantive changes
on the press statement to the Department prior to joining
consensus for adoption.


2. Begin statement:

The members of the Security Council welcome the positive
political developments and progress made in the Djibouti
peace process in Somalia including the establishment of an
inclusive Parliament, the election of President Sheikh Sharif
Sheikh Ahmed and the subsequent formation of unity government
led by Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke.
The members of the Security Council further commend the
efforts of President Ahmed for his efforts at reaching out to
the parties outside the Djibouti peace process and
reestablishing security and the rule of law in Mogadishu and
the rest of the country.
The members of the Security Council reiterate their call for
the peaceful resolution of the Somali conflict as the best
viable option to a durable peace and genuine reconciliation
and call upon all parties that have not yet joined the
political process to do so.
The members of the Security Council commend AMISOM for the
valuable contribution it has made towards efforts for the
return of peace and stability to Somalia and call upon the
members and international community to provide the additional
resources for it to better fulfill its mandate.
The members of the Security Council express their grave
concern at the continued insecurity in some parts of the
country, violations of human rights and the precarious
humanitarian situation. They commend the sacrifice of
humanitarian personnel who are working in very difficult
conditions to provide assistance to the Somali people.
The members of the Security Council further express their
concern for the continued acts of piracy off the coast of
Somalia. They commend the efforts of the Transitional
Government of Somalia and the international community to
fight piracy while reiterating the need to address the root
causes of piracy on the mainland.
The members of the Security Council express their support for
the Government and people of Somalia and encourage the
international community extend financial and technical
support to the government in its efforts towards rebuilding
of vital institutions especially in the areas of security and
the rule of law and in enhancing its capacity for the
provision of basic services.
CLINTON