Security Council

5695^th Meeting (PM)

Security Council gravely concerned by recent extremist attacks in Somalia,

condemns attempts to use violence to undermine political process

Presidential Statement Calls on Member States

To Immediately Cease Further Support for Extremist Elements

Expressing grave concern regarding the recent pattern of attacks by extremist elements in Somalia, including the increased use of explosive devices, the Security Council today condemned all attempts to use violence to undermine the political process and prevent the early convening of the National Reconciliation Congress.

In a statement read out by its President for June, Johan Verbeke (Belgium), the Council, calling on all Member States to cease immediately any further support for extremist elements or those who seek to block progress by violent means, recalled its readiness, as set out in its resolution 1744 (2007), to consider measures against those who block progress in the political process and threaten the Transitional Federal Institutions.

It also condemned the attack on the Prime Minister on 3 June 2007 and the attack on the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Mogadishu on 16 May 2007, expressing deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.

Reiterating its support for the National Reconciliation Congress as a mechanism for much-needed political dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia, the Council called on the Transitional Federal Government and the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee to ensure that the Congress convenes as soon as practicable.

The Council also underscored the importance of the Congress addressing, in a comprehensive and meaningful manner, issues of political reconciliation, including representation in the Transitional Federal Institutions, and agreeing on a road map for the remainder of the transitional political process, in line with the Transitional Federal Charter and as laid out in the 14 March 2007 Roadmap to Governance, National Dialogue and Reconciliation in Somalia.

Underlining its appreciation for the efforts of the Ugandan forces currently deployed in Mogadishu under AMISOM and Uganda’s invaluable contribution to peace and stability in Somalia, the Council reiterated its call on African Union Member States to contribute troops for AMISOM, and on other States and partners to provide financial, technical and logistical support for that effort.

It also emphasized the urgent need for appropriate contingency planning for a possible United Nations mission, to be deployed in Somalia if the Council decided to authorize such a mission, and looked forward to receiving the report from the Secretary-General regarding progress by mid-June.

Demanding that all parties ensure unfettered access for humanitarian assistance, the Council emphasized again the urgent need for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian relief assistance to Somalia, including assistance to the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.

The meeting began at 12:18 p.m. and was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2007/19 reads as follows:

“The Security Council reiterates its previous resolutions and presidential statements on Somalia, in particular its resolution 1744 (2007) and presidential statement S/PRST/2007/13, adopted on 30 April 2007.

“The Security Council reiterates its support for the National Reconciliation Congress as a mechanism for much-needed political dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia.  The Security Council calls on the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee to ensure that the Congress convenes as soon as practicable.  The Security Council appreciates the efforts of Member States and partners to support the early convening of the Congress and calls for further support.  The Security Council underscores the importance of the Congress:

-- addressing in a comprehensive and meaningful manner issues of political reconciliation, including representation in the Transitional Federal Institutions; and

-- agreeing a road map for the remainder of the transitional political process, in line with the Transitional Federal Charter and as laid out in the Roadmap to Governance, National Dialogue, and Reconciliation in Somalia of 14 March 2007.

“The Security Council expresses its grave concern regarding the recent pattern of attacks by extremist elements in Somalia, including the increased use of explosive devices, and condemns all attempts to use violenceto undermine the political process and prevent the early convening of the National Reconciliation Congress.  The Security Council calls on all Member States to cease immediately any further support for extremist elements or those who seek to block progress by violent means, and to support the ongoing efforts towards inclusive political dialogue.  The Security Council recalls its readiness, as set out in its resolution 1744 (2007), to consider measures against those who block progress in the political process and threaten the Transitional Federal Institutions.

“The Security Council condemns the attack on the Prime Minister on 3 June 2007 andthe attack on the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Mogadishu on 16 May 2007.  The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

“The Security Council underlines its appreciation for the efforts of the Ugandan forces currently deployed in Mogadishu under AMISOM and Uganda’s invaluable contribution to peace and stability in Somalia.  The Security Council reiterates its call on Member States of the African Union to contribute troops for AMISOM, and on other States and partners to provide financial, technical and logistical support for this effort.

“The Security Council emphasizes the urgent need for appropriate contingency planning for a possible United Nations mission, to be deployed in Somalia if the Security Council decided to authorize such a mission.  The Security Council looks forward to receiving the report from the Secretary-General regarding progress in this regard by mid-June.

“The Security Council emphasizes again the need for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian relief assistance to Somalia, including assistance to the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, urges Member States to support generously such operations, and demands that all parties ensure unfettered access for humanitarian assistance.”

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For information media • not an official record