Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on renewed fighting in Mogadishu

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned at the resumption of fighting in Mogadishu between warring militias belonging to the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism and those of the Sharia Courts. He deplores the loss of life and suffering caused by the renewed violence. The Secretary-General calls on both sides to enter into an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as appealed for by the people of Mogadishu, clan leaders, and the international community, including his Special Representative for Somalia.

The Secretary-General urges the parties to step up efforts to find solutions to the conflict within the framework of the Transitional Federal Charter. He also calls on all sides to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, ensure humanitarian access to populations in need, and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers.