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SRSG calls for successful follow up to Brussels meeting on Somalia
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Nairobi, 27 April: The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou
Ould-Abdallah, has praised the international community for its generous
pledges totaling more than $213 million for Somalia’s security forces
and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) – and said it
was now up to everyone to show the resources mobilized would be available
very soon and would be spent wisely and responsibly.
“The International Conference in Brussels on Thursday, which was
attended by leadership of the United Nations, African Union, European
Union and Commission, the League of Arab States and Organization of Islamic
Conference, should be a turning point for Somalia. While strengthening
security, providing youth employment and delivering humanitarian assistance
are essential, lasting peace and stability will come through continued
dialogue as laid out in the Djibouti Agreement.
“Thanks to the Agreement, the displaced are returning to their
homes, Parliament is more inclusive, a Government of National Unity has
been constituted and the orderly withdrawal of Ethiopian took place more
than three months ago.
“Those leaders who fled the country in 2006 are back and I encourage
them to take part peacefully and constructively in the rebirth of Somalia.”
Mr Ould-Abdallah reminded those Somalis who are on the UN Security Council
Sanctions List that they should be patriotic enough to move forward and
not take their country hostage to their personal ambitions.
“If these individuals work positively for peace and stability,”
he said, “I stand ready as the Representative of the Secretary General
to enlist the support of the international community to help address successfully
their legal and diplomatic situation.”
“Now is the time for Somalis to show their people, their region
and the international community that they are finally serious about peace
and leaving behind the culture of winner takes all and the ever-shifting
alliances that are still devastating their nation. Now is the time for
all sides to support the progress made and work together to ensure Somalia
regains its place on the world stage. Over the last 20 years force has
not helped to keep power and it will not now.”
For more information please contact: Susanna Price/Donna Cusumano, Public
Information Officer, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya )
Tel. +254 20 762 1192 (o) or +254 733 902020 (m).
Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org |
