SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL VIOLENCE NEAR BAIDOA,

 

CALLS FOR RESTRAINT BY SOMALI PARTIES

 

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

The Secretary-General is concerned about reports of increased tensions and the potential outbreak of violence near Baidoa.  He calls on the Somali parties to refrain from actions that could further strain relations between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Supreme Council of the Islamic Courts.

The Secretary-General urges the Somali parties to engage in a sustained dialogue to find a consensual and durable solution to the country’s problem.  He also calls on the international community to intensify its support to peace efforts and to encourage the Somali parties to pursue negotiations.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record