Security Council Press Statement on Somalia

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Agshin Mehdiyev (Azerbaijan):

On Tuesday, 15 May, the members of the Security Council received a briefing from Augustine P. Mahiga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, and President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Somalia.

The members of the Security Council noted that the political process in Somalia was at a critical phase, with only three months to go until the end of the transitional period on 20 August.  The members of the Security Council welcomed progress so far in the implementation of the road map to end the transition, and reaffirmed their commitment to support the process.  They expressed concern that some deadlines for the completion of tasks had already been missed.  The members of the Security Council urged the Transitional Federal Institutions and all other signatories of the road map to redouble their efforts to complete the road map tasks, including the creation of a representative Constituent Assembly, with participation of women and civil society, and the adoption of a Constitution underpinned by respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

They stressed the primary responsibility of the Somali parties to reach agreement on broad-based, inclusive and representative post-transitional arrangements, in line with the Djibouti Agreement, road map and Garowe Principles.  The members urged the Transitional Federal Institutions and the road map signatories to abide by their commitments and stressed the importance of a transparent and legitimate political process, including public consultation on the Constitution.  Building effective governance through representative and accountable institutions at every level would be key to securing lasting peace and stability in Somalia.

The members of the Security Council strongly supported the joint African Union-Intergovernmental Authority on Development-United Nations letter of May 2012 and reiterated their readiness to support measures against internal and external actors or groups who sought to undermine or block the peace process in Somalia, including after the August transition deadline has passed.  They encouraged all Somalis to engage constructively in the political process and move towards a more peaceful and stable Somalia.

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For information media • not an official record