PRESS STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL ON SOMALIA

PRESS STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL ON SOMALIA

Following is today's press statement on Somalia by the President of the Security Council, Kishore Mahbubani (Singapore):

Members of the Council heard a briefing by the Secretariat on the situation in Somalia, and expressed their serious concern with regard to recent developments and their grave impact on the humanitarian situation.

Members of the Council emphasized the need for a peaceful solution in Somalia based on national reconciliation, and underlined the need for strong international support. 

Members of the Council called on all actors in Somalia to refrain from violence and the use of force and to employ peaceful means for conflict resolution.

Members of the Council urged all regional actors to give their unequivocal commitment to the peace efforts for Somalia in good faith and to refrain from any negative actions, including those that may compromise the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia.

Members of the Council encouraged the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to move forward with the National Reconciliation Conference in Nairobi as soon as possible.

Members of the Council underlined the importance of expeditiously implementing resolution 1407 (2002) in order to reinforce the arms embargo. 

Members of the Council strongly condemned the kidnapping of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) official in Mogadishu and called for his immediate and unconditional release.  They underlined their continued support for the United Nations efforts undertaken throughout Somalia and the resolve of the United Nations Country Team.

Members of the Council remain seized of the matter.

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