Security Council Press Statement on Somalia

 

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

The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the attacks on the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) base in Mogadishu on 22 February 2009, which caused the deaths of 11 Burundian soldiers and injured 17 others, and the further reported attacks on 24 February.  The members of the Security Council express their condolences to the families of the victims, to the people and the Government of Burundi, and to the African Union.  The members of the Security Council reiterate their condemnation of all acts of violence and incitement to violence against AMISOM.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their commitment to support a strengthened AMISOM, which has a vital role to play in helping to bring peace and security to Somalia, and commend the Governments of Uganda and Burundi for their contributions.

The members of the Security Council welcome the ongoing political process in Somalia that led to the expansion of Parliament and the election of a new President.  The members of the Security Council reiterate their support for the peace process.

The members of the Security Council further welcome the efforts of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed to strengthen the political process and improve security, as well as the approval by Parliament of the new Cabinet led by Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke.

The members of the Security Council call on all Somalis to reject violence and extremism, to embrace peaceful means of resolving conflicts, and to support the Government towards this goal.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm their support for the Somali people and reiterate their determination to combat all forms of terrorism.

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For information media • not an official record