Secretary-general condemns continuing armed attacks

 

against somAlia’s transitional federal government

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continuing armed attacks against Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government.  This campaign of violence is aimed at the forceful overthrow of a legitimate government which has reached out to its opponents in a spirit of reconciliation, through an “open door” policy and negotiations.  The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the growing numbers of civilians killed, wounded and displaced as a result of these attacks. 

In the face of this ongoing threat to the peace process, Somalia’s government is appealing for international assistance, and the Secretary-General wishes to strongly and urgently echo that appeal.  He calls on the international community to follow through quickly with the urgently needed financial and other forms of support recently pledged in Brussels to both the Government of Somalia and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).  The Secretary-General further urges the international community to provide direct bilateral assistance to the Government. 

The Secretary-General believes there is a unique window of opportunity for peace in Somalia, but the situation is fragile and international assistance is needed now.

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For information media • not an official record