Secretary-General APPLAUDS NOMINATION OF NEW PRIME MINISTER IN SOMALIA

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is pleased to note the nomination of Colonel Nur Hassan Hussein as Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government and applauds the concerted efforts of members of the Transitional Federal Institutions that led to this decision.  The Secretary-General expresses the hope that the appointment of the new Prime Minister will increase the momentum among Somalis to unite their efforts and complete the implementation of the key tasks of the Transitional Federal Charter.  This will be an important step towards making reconciliation and reconstruction a reality.  The Secretary-General welcomes Nur Hussein's background and experience in humanitarian operations in Somalia and, thus, his unique understanding of the challenges confronting his country.

The United Nations will continue, through the Secretary-General's Special Representative, to offer its assistance in promoting an inclusive political process and reconciliation in Somalia.

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For information media • not an official record