PRESS STATEMENT ON SOMALIA BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON SOMALIA BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is the press statement on Somalia, delivered today by Council President Adolfo Aguilar Zinser (Mexico):

Members of the Security Council were briefed today by the Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) on the Report of the Panel of Experts mandated to collect independent information on violations of the arms embargo in Somalia and to provide recommendations on possible practical steps and measures for its effective implementation.

Members of the Council welcomed the Report of the Panel and exchanged views on improving the implementation and enhancing the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia.  They expressed their intention to continue the discussion within the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) on the observations and recommendations contained in the Report.  These recommendations invite all parties inside and outside Somalia to take their responsibilities in the implementation of the arms embargo.

Members of the Council expressed their deep concern about the continued flow of weapons and military equipment from sources outside Somalia and called on all Member States to support and cooperate with the re-established Panel of Experts, which is to be set up in accordance with resolution 1474 (2003), in the implementation of its mandate.

Members also reaffirmed the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.

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