UN Special Representative for Somalia on behalf of the International Advisory Committee, IAC, calls on Somalis to rise above their individual differences and jointly tackle the challenges lying ahead of the country.
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Mogadishu, 30 August 2007: A delegation of the IAC led by François L. Fall, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia, today attended the closing ceremony of the National Reconciliation Congress together with other members of the International Advisory Committee.  It is on behalf of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and members of the international community that SRSG Fall addressed the ceremony to pay a resounding tribute to the people of Somalia, the NGRC and delegates to the NRC as well as the leadership for the successful conclusion of the congress. The closing ceremony of the NRC he said, “Heralds the successful conclusion of a Somali-driven process.   Whilst the conclusion of this Congress marks yet another milestone in the quest for peace and reconciliation in Somalia, it does not however signify the end of the reconciliation process”.  For Mr. Fall, there are still a number of challenges ahead which will require a continued political commitment and perseverance by all parties concerned as well as concerted international support. SRSG Fall outlined the major challenges lying ahead and called on the Somalis “to rise above their individual differences and jointly tackle these challenges for the sake of a better Somalia”. The Special Representative of the Secretary General urged the TFG to pursue efforts to reach out to all opposition groups both within and outside Somalia and to ensure an effective implementation of the Transitional Federal Charter. The best way to fight terrorism in Somalia, he said: “is to pursue open dialogue and genuine reconciliation among all the parties”.  François Fall also emphasized other key actions which are fundamental for for the consolidation of peace and reconciliation including strengthening governance structures, respect for Human rights, strengthening of the role of civil society and women in particular and the reintegration and reinsertion of refugees, war affected people and IDPs, who would need the support of the people to find their place in the community.

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