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