UN Special Representative Appeals for Restraint in Somalia

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Nairobi, 20 July - The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Francois Lonseny Fall, today urged leaders of the Transitional Federal Government and the Supreme Council of the Islamic Courts to restrain their forces. He urged both sides to resume the dialogue opened in Khartoum on 22 June.

“I appeal to both sides to respect the ceasefire and other provisions of the Khartoum agreement, including their commitment to refrain from any provocations that could lead to an escalation of the situation,” he said. “The place to deal with differences is at the negotiating table.”

Ambassador Fall said that the leadership of the Transitional Federal Government and representatives of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Courts had made a good beginning when they met in Khartoum last month. “A continuation of the Khartoum process will give them a further opportunity to flesh out their expectations and move towards a peaceful solution,” he said.

Ambassador Fall said the country desperately needed peace if it was to rise above the humanitarian emergency that has engulfed much of the population. “I urge the parties to consider the interests of the people first and put aside political calculations,” he said.

For more information please contact: UN Political Office for Somalia(Nairobi, Kenya) Tel. +254 20 762 21 31 Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org