PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON SOMALIA

PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON SOMALIA

Following is the text of today’s press statement on Somalia by the President of the Security Council, Wang Yingfan (China):

The Members of the Security Council listened to a briefing by the Secretariat and noted with concern the situations in Somalia and the continued humanitarian plight of the Somali people caused by the conflict. 

Council members support the Organization of African Unity's (OAU) position on Somalia and reaffirm that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia should be directly respected.

Council Members continue to call on all armed groups in Somalia to put down their weapons and engage in peaceful dialogue with the Transitional National Government.

Council Members encourage the Transitional National Government to exercise leadership, in particular by intensifying the efforts to facilitate –- in a flexible and pragmatic manner -– constructive dialogue with groups that remain outside the Arta Peace Process.

Council Members strongly urge the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) countries, the neighbouring countries of Somalia in particular, as well as other interested countries, to coordinate their efforts in supporting the peace process.

Council Members reiterate their call on neighbouring States to refrain from any action that will be detrimental to the peace process, including political dialogue and national reconciliation.  They underline the importance of full implementation of the arms embargo on Somalia imposed through resolution

733 (1992).

Council Members urge the international community to mobilize support for the vulnerable population in Somalia, including by making contributions to the UN consolidated appeal for Somalia for 2001.

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