SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON SOMALIA ELECTIONS

The following press statement on the Somalia elections was read out today by Security Council President Yukio Takasu ( Japan):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the election by the Somalia Transitional Federal Parliament of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as President of Somalia.  The members of the Security Council commended the newly expanded Parliament on its work in electing the new President.  The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation to all parties who contributed to this event, and for the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, and the support provided by President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti.

The members of the Security Council expressed their strong support for the peace process and for this important step towards a political settlement in Somalia.  To this end, Council members called upon President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to constitute a Government of National Unity at the earliest possible date.  Council members called on all Somalis to support the Transitional Federal Institutions as peace and reconciliation efforts go forward.

The members of the Security Council commended the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its important work.  Council members expressed their concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Somalia and condemned violence directed at civilians, AMISOM and humanitarian personnel.

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For information media • not an official record