Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
09USUNNEWYORK741 | 2009-08-03 11:11:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | USUN New York |
1. (SBU) SUMMARY. On July 28, SRSG for Somalia Ould-Abdallah called for the international community to continue its support for the TFG and AMISOM, reporting that while insurgent attempts to overthrow the Somali government have failed, the security situation remains fragile. African Union Commissioner Lamamra praised the TFG's improvements in governance and emphasized the regional implications of the conflict - stating that it provides fertile ground for both foreign fighters and the illegal arms trade. Somali Foreign Minister Omaar emphasized the TFG's commitment to the peace process, and said that Somalis will achieve reconciliation if external forces working to undermine the government can be overcome. Council Members unanimously voiced support for the TFG, called for a strengthening of AMISOM and urged donors to fulfill their financial pledges. Members called on opposition groups to join the Djibouti Peace Process, and many deplored reports of foreign interference in Somalia. Humanitarian issues were also at the top of Council Members agendas, with many citing the growing number of IDPs and need for additional food aid. In closed consultations following the briefing, the Somalia Sanctions Committee Chair stated that he had received a list of nine names and two entities including those believed to have violated measures imposed in resolutions 1844 and 1853. The UK, France, US, Uganda said that they support sending a clear message to opposition group members who contribute to the destabilization efforts and increase violence in Somalia. END SUMMARY. 2. (SBU) In his July 29 address to the Security Council, UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmed Ould-Abdullah, reported that although the security situation "remains fragile," the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is resisting and repelling insurgent efforts to overthrow it. Ould-Abdullah stated that the Djibouti Agreement remains open to all peaceful opposition groups and noted the TFG's engagement of Ahlu Sunnawa Al Jamma in the reconciliation process. Ould-Abdullah acknowledged the continuing suffering of ordinary Somalis and condemned recent abductions, as well as looting of UN offices carried out by insurgent groups. He called for continued international support for the TFG and AMISOM and the establishment of a Green Zone in the capital, suggesting that this would allow the relocation of UN agencies-including his own-from Nairobi to Mogadishu. Finally, he urged the international community to continue its anti-piracy efforts and recommended the creation of a Somali Coast Guard. 3. (SBU) African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra characterized the security situation in Somalia as "volatile," but not "desperate or insurmountable." Lamamra praised the TFG's improvements in governance including greater transparency, inclusiveness and responsiveness. He lamented that armed efforts by opposition groups to destroy the peace and reconciliation process are ongoing, and emphasized that the conflict in Somalia is a regional problem that provides fertile ground for foreign fighters and illegal arms trade. Lamamra called for the TFG, AMISOM and the international community to present a coherent front against groups opposed to peace and reconciliation and he stated that TFG control should be expanded beyond the capital for both strategic and symbolic reasons. Somalia MFA Emphasizes Commitment to Peace -------------------------- 4. (SBU) Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar emphasized that Somalia's problems must be solved by Somalis themselves, and stated that it was time to end the "continuous reinvention of the wheel" inherent in repeated international conferences and rebuild an institutional base and operational State. Omaar stated that his government is willing and ready to incorporate into the Djibouti Peace Process any party that agrees to the reestablishment of the rule-of-law, and pointed to a recent agreement with Ahlu Sunna-wa Al Jamma as proof of this goal. Omarr urged the Council to view Somalia within a subregional context, calling Somalia a "cornerstone," for regional peace and stability, and pointed to piracy as an example of an issue felt "far beyond the boarders of Somalia." He said that Somalis can achieve peace and reconciliation if "external interference and vested external interests" that wish to sustain the conflict are squelched. USUN NEW Y 00000741 002.2 OF 003 Permanent Member Views -------------------------- 5. (SBU) In the U.S. statement to the Council, Ambassador Wolff condemned the continuing military offensives against the TFG and urged donors to fulfill their pledges to AMISOM and the Somali government, while lamenting the country's worsening humanitarian situation. Pointing to reports of Eritrea's support for insurgent groups operating Somalia, Wolff stated that the "window is rapidly closing" for Eritrea to move toward improved regional relations. Ambassador Wolff also expressed concern at the "exponential increase" of piracy activity and underscored the USG policy on offering no concessions to hostage-takers and on not paying ransoms. 6. (SBU) The UK focused on the four areas it views as priority: tackling the humanitarian crisis, building the Djibouti Peace Process, improving the security situation and addressing piracy. The UK, France, China and Russia stated that the Somali security forces must be strengthened, and France announced that the European Union will send a mission to the region in mid-August to assess the forces' training needs. On sanctions, France said that it would engage actively in the Somalia Sanctions Committee ("751 Committee"), and the UK urged the Sanctions Committee it to "act quickly and decisively" in designating those individuals and entities recommended by the MG. 7. (SBU) Russia and China both called for the full staffing and equipping of AMISOM, with China urging the United Nations to provide a logistical package in support of the mission. Russia noted that it is, "difficult to talk realistically about expanding the UN presence in Somalia," at this time as the international community's primary goal should be ensuring security. China confirmed its support of the continuation of reconciliation talks, urged countries in the region to exert their influence on the peace process, and welcomed a recent meeting of the Joint Security Committee in Mogadishu. On piracy, Russia called for the creation of a legal structure to prosecute those responsible, and suggested the incorporation of legal assistance from countries neighboring Somalia. Other Member Views -------------------------- 8. (SBU) Council members unanimously deplored the continuing attacks on the TFG and condemned the July 19 raids and forced closure of UN offices in the south of Somalia. Members welcomed the TFG's efforts to reach out to opposition groups, including Ahlu Sunna-wa Al Jamma, and called on armed groups to embrace the Djibouti Agreement. Members called for a strengthening of AMISOM and the Somali security forces, and expressed hope that reinforcements announced by African Union member States would shortly arrive. Turkey announced that it had already transferred half of its pledge to AMISOM and is preparing to train peacekeepers and police in cooperation with the United Nations. Many members pointed to piracy as a critical destabilizing factor and lauded efforts such as the European Union's "Operation Atalanta." Mexico favored the creation of an additional working group within the Contact Group to consider counter-piracy initiatives, and Turkey noted its contribution of two brigades to assist. All members addressed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Somalia, and most expressed concern about the recruitment of child soldiers by insurgent groups. 9. (SBU) Both Mexico and Burkino Faso asked the SC to take into account the African Union's call for the establishment of a "no-fly" zone to support the TFG, and Mexico said that creation of a security zone including ports will be a fundamental factor for success. Libya focused on the World Food Program's $136 million shortfall required for the three million Somalis in need of food aid, and stated that illegal fishing by foreign companies has depleted Somali marine resources and must end. Consultations on Somalia Sanctions -------------------------- 10. (SBU) After the open briefing on Somalia, Council Members moved to the consultation rooms for an update on the Somalia Sanctions Committee's activities. In his 120 day report to the Security Council, Mexican Ambassador Heller and Chair of the Somalia Sanctions Committee primarily focused on the Committee's adoption of revised guidelines on May 11 and USUN NEW Y 00000741 003.2 OF 003 the MG's last report. Heller stated that the MG, the group of experts mandated to monitor and improve the implementation of sanctions, submitted a draft list of eleven names including persons and entities believed to have violated measures imposed in resolutions 1844 and 1853, and recommended a number of procedural enhancements to the Committee. (REFTEL USUN 00709, USUN 722). 11. (SBU) The UK, France, U.S., Uganda all supported sending a clear message to opposition group members who contribute to the destabilization efforts and increase violence in Somalia. The U.S. condemned the involvement of external governments in assisting in the destabilization efforts in Somalia and urged committee members to cooperate in order to hold those accountable for their actions. The UK urged the committee to work expeditiously on sanctions designations, particularly against Eritrea, and left open the possibility of an arms export ban on Eritrea. France stated its readiness to designate the two individuals associated with piracy but need more time to consider the other names on the MG's list. Austrian stated willingness to work with members of the committee on implementation of the sanctions resolution but cautioned against any actions as it would close already limited channels of communication with Eritrea. No other member took the floor. RICE |