PRESS STATEMENT ON SOMALIA BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is last night's press statement on Somalia by Stefan Tafrov (Bulgaria), President of the Security Council:

Members of the Council reaffirm their united and firm support for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-sponsored reconciliation process on Somalia.

Members of the Council strongly urge the parties, including representatives from different regions, in accordance with the framework established by IGAD, to participate constructively at the conference scheduled to commence on 15 October 2002 in Eldoret, Kenya.

Members of the Council emphasize the need for humanitarian aid personnel to be allowed safe access so that assistance can be provided to people in need.

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