SECURITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON SOMALIA DISCUSSES FINDINGS OF NOVEMBER MISSION

NEW YORK, 2 December (Department of Political Affairs) -- On 26 November 2003, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia, discussed its mission to the region and exchanged views on concrete recommendations reflecting the findings of the mission.

The members of the Committee underlined the importance of enforcing the arms embargo in Somalia as an important means in support of the national reconciliation process.  They reaffirmed their view that the peace talks in Nairobi-Mbagathi and the effective implementation of the sanctions regime should be considered and approached as mutually reinforcing processes.

The members of the Committee welcomed the determination expressed by all government and regional interlocutors to implement the sanctions regime and to consider additional measures to improve the monitoring of the arms embargo.  Yet, the Committee remains concerned over the continued flow of weapons and ammunition to and through Somalia and stresses the obligation of all States, in particular those in the region, to abide fully by their obligations under resolution 733 (1992).

The members of the Committee emphasized the need for a united approach and stronger support of the international community at this critical point in the Somali peace and reconciliation process.  The sustained commitment of the Security Council signals the need for responsible action by all actors in the process.

The members of the Committee decided to propose to the Security Council to consider as early as possible the renewal of the mandate of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1474 (2003).

The members of the Committee stressed the particular responsibility of the frontline and neighbouring States for the implementation of the arms embargo.  At this critical stage, it is of utmost importance that these States reassure the international community of their commitmentsunder the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The members of the Committee recognized the lack of technical capacity of the frontline and neighbouring States to monitor effectively their borders and called on the international donor community to provide technical and material assistance to States of the region.

The members of the Committee welcomed the efforts of the regional organizations, in particular the League of Arab States, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in establishing a regional framework for monitoring and implementing the arms embargo on Somalia.  In this regard, the Committee further called on theinternational donor community to provide technical and material assistance to the African Union and IGAD in support of these efforts.

The members of the Committee stressed the threat posed by the continuing flow of weapons and ammunition to and through Somalia for the stability and security in the region.  They expressed their concern about the continuing lack of an effective central government in Somalia and the opportunities this provided for activities of international terrorist organizations within its territory.

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