Secretary General deplores outbreak of fighting in Somalia

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New York, 22 December -  The Secretary-General today deplored the recent outbreak of fighting between the forces of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) near Baidoa.  He said he was deeply concerned that the escalation of the conflict in Somalia would have disastrous consequences for civilians, who are already suffering from the effects of years of instability and deprivation, compounded by severe flooding that has recently affected parts of the country.  The Secretary General called on the TFG and the UIC to cease hostilities immediately and to resume the peace talks initiated in Khartoum without delay and without preconditions.  He also called on both two parties to respect the commitments previously agreed upon at Khartoum.

The Secretary-General also expressed his grave concern about continued reports of the involvement of foreign forces in the current conflict. He implored all involved to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.  He further urged all the countries of the region to do whatever they can to ensure that the parties return to the peace talks and pursue a negotiated settlement of the crisis.

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