Security Council Press Statement on Somalia

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gérard Araud ( France):

The Security Council was briefed on 28 August by Dr. Augustine Mahiga, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the work of Dr. Mahiga and the staff of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) for their efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia.

The members of the Security Council welcomed recent landmark events in Somalia, including the National Constituent Assembly’s adoption of the Provisional Constitution and the inaugural meeting of the new Federal Parliament.  The members further welcomed that a new Speaker, Professor Mohamed Osman Jawari, had been appointed by Parliament.  The members of the Council called on the new Federal Parliament to discharge its responsibilities with independence, transparently and free from undue influence or coercion.

The members of the Security Council commended the work of the Technical Selection Committee and the elders for their important efforts in overcoming numerous challenges and overseeing the appointment of members of the new Parliament.  The members of the Security Council noted that this was despite reported instances of intimidation and corruption.  They condemned any such acts and reiterated their willingness to take action against individuals whose acts threaten the peace, stability or security of Somalia.  The members underlined the importance of a fully functioning Parliament, and that the remaining parliamentary seats should be agreed and filled as quickly as possible.

The members of the Council commended the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali National Forces for their bravery and for their vital role in providing a more secure environment for the Somalia Road Map signatories to deliver an end to the transition.

The members of the Security Council urged all the Road Map signatories to continue to work together on the basis of mutual goodwill and transparency, and bring a swift end to the transition.  They called on the signatories to refrain from unilateral action and to continue the process of dialogue and compromise.  They underlined that Parliament should now elect a President without further delay.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their continued support for the political process and for peace and stability in Somalia.

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For information media • not an official record