Security Council

5970^th Meeting (PM)

Security Council, in presidential statement, welcomes signing of djibouti

agreement on reconciliation by parties to somalia conflict

The Security Council today welcomed the signing in Djibouti of a peace and reconciliation agreement between the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia on 19 August, and took note of the parties’ request that the United Nations authorize and deploy an international stabilization force in 120 days.

Acknowledging recent positive political developments in the wake of the Djibouti Agreement in a statement read out by Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso, its President for September, the Council reaffirmed its willingness to consider, at an appropriate time, a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia to take over from the Africa Union Mission (AMISOM), subject to progress in the political process and improvement in the security situation on the ground.

In that connection, the Council recalled the Secretary-General’s recommendation to put in place plans for the deployment of an international stabilization force in Somalia and asked him for a detailed and consolidated description of a feasible multinational force, as well as a detailed concept of operations for a feasible United Nations peacekeeping operation.

The meeting began at 3:10 p.m. and ended at 3:20 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/33 reads as follows:

“The Security Council welcomes the signing of a peace and reconciliation Agreement (“the Djibouti Agreement”) between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) in Djibouti on 19 August 2008, the preliminary work undertaken by the High-Level Committee and the Joint Security Committee set up under that Agreement, as well as recent political developments.  The Security Council expresses its determination that the Agreement should provide the basis for lasting peace, security and stability for the people of Somalia, including the ultimate withdrawal of foreign forces.  The Security Council commends the efforts deployed by the TFG and the ARS to this end and their commitment to peace.

“The Security Council reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.

“The Security Council extends its gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mr. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, and to the UN Political Office for Somalia for mediating dialogue between the parties and garnering support for the political process.  The Security Council further expresses its gratitude to the Government of Djibouti for hosting talks between the parties.

“The Security Council calls on the parties to meet all elements of their Agreement in full.  In particular, the Council underlines the crucial importance of the parties taking all necessary measures to ensure, without delay, unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the Somali people, and of the parties and their allies terminating all acts of armed confrontation.  The Security Council states its support for the implementation of the Agreement and its intention to review that implementation continuously.

“The Security Council reiterates its strong support for the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and urges again the international community to provide financial resources, personnel, equipment and services for the full deployment of AMISOM.

“The Security Council takes note of the parties’ request in the Djibouti Agreement that the United Nations, within a period of 120 days, authorize and deploy an international stabilization force.  The Council further notes, in this regard, communiqués by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 29 June 2008, 8 August 2008 and 20 August 2008.

“The Security Council, acknowledging recent positive political developments in the wake of the Djibouti Agreement as confirmed by Mr. Ould-Abdallah, reaffirms its willingness, as set out in its resolution 1814 (2008), to consider, at an appropriate time, a United Nations peacekeeping operation to take over from AMISOM, subject to progress in the political process and improvement in the security situation on the ground.

“The Security Council recalls the Secretary-General’s contingency planning for a United Nations integrated peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which recommends that plans are put in place for the deployment of an international stabilization force, in the framework of the approach presented by the Secretary-General in his report of 14 March 2008 (S/2008/178).

“In this regard, the Security Council requests that the Secretary-General elaborate on his contingency plans and provide, in consultation with the parties and other relevant stakeholders, a detailed and consolidated description of a feasible multinational force, its mandate and derived tasks, to include inter alia the size and geographical scope of that force, progressively deployed, and further provide a detailed concept of operations for a feasible United Nations peacekeeping operation.

“The Security Council further requests the Secretary-General urgently to identify and approach States that might contribute the financial resources, personnel, equipment and services required, stands ready to support the Secretary-General in this regard, and calls upon States to respond favourably.

“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the Djibouti Agreement by the parties, including an update on the conditions on the ground, as well as on his planning, including discussions with potential contributing States, within 60 days.”

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For information media • not an official record