UN Special Representative Addresses Khartoum Peace Talks

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Khartoum, 2 September - The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Francois Lonseny Fall, today urged delegations from the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts to enter into a meaningful and constructive dialogue that begins to address key issues that divide them.

“We believe that resolving problems through mutual consultation and dialogue is the best way forward at this point in time,” he said in opening remarks to those attending the talks. “Consultation and dialogue are not new to you, my Somali brothers. They are an important part of your traditions; they are the very essence of your culture; and they are also in accordance with the values of Islam. This is how you have solved your problems peacefully for centuries. This is how you must overcome the challenges that confront you now.”

Ambassador Fall encouraged the parties to build on the outcome of the first round of Khartoum talks held on 22 June. “We welcome the five-point agenda presented to the conference today and encourage you to seize this opportunity to establish a joint mechanism for monitoring, verification and implementation of agreed conclusions and to move further to achieve lasting solutions to the Somali crisis. We strongly encourage you, my Somali brothers present here, to make full use of these talks to work together closely and earnestly to overcome your differences for the sake of your children, your people, and your country.”

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