SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SIGNING OF DECLARATION ON SOMALIA RECONCILIATION PROCESS

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SIGNING OF DECLARATION

ON SOMALIA RECONCILIATION PROCESS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of a “Declaration on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Structures and Principles of the Somalia National Reconciliation Process” at the Somali National Reconciliation Conference in Eldoret, Kenya, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The Secretary-General urges the Somali parties to abide fully by the commitments they have made and to move into the next phase of the reconciliation process with determination and a true spirit of reconciliation.

The Secretary-General remains concerned about continued fighting and insecurity in some parts of Somalia.  He calls for an immediate end to all fighting, which not only undermines the reconciliation process, but also impedes the provision of humanitarian and development assistance in Somalia.

The Secretary-General commends President Daniel arap Moi, the Government of Kenya and the IGAD countries for their efforts in support of national reconciliation in Somalia.  He reiterates the continued support of the United Nations to the IGAD effort on Somalia.

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