SECRETARY-GENERAL HAILS SOMALI PARLIAMENT ON ELECTION OF NEW PRESIDENT

The following statement was issued on Sunday, 1 February, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General congratulates the new Somali Parliament for the successful conclusion of the presidential elections.  The Secretary-General commends the Somali political leaders for the major step they have taken, through this process, towards national reconciliation.

The Secretary-General urges President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the new Government to reach out to all Somali people and parties, including those who are still outside of the Djibouti process.  It is important that these efforts should have a tangible effect in improving the security environment for the Somali people and humanitarian actors.

The United Nations has supported this process and stands ready to help the new Government in its efforts towards national reconciliation and the establishment of effective security.

The United Nations will provide strong logistical support to the African Union’s AMISOM force and help develop Somali security forces.  The Security Council will decide in the months ahead, the appropriateness of a United Nations peacekeeping operation to support the Somali political, economic and social development.

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For information media • not an official record