UN Special Representative for Somalia encouraged by latest developments

..............................................................................................

New York, 16 April 2008: The United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, says he is very encouraged by the latest positive political developments taking place regarding Somalia. These include the speech made by President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed to the UN Security Council  and the recent declaration by the leaders of the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia.

The SRSG said he was pleased that President Yusuf had said he was in favour of peace and reconciliation.

“I am particularly encouraged that President Yusuf emphasized that he is willing to do whatever it takes to promote peace and stability in his country and the former Speaker, Sharif Hasan Shaykh Adan, from the ARS declared that the Somali problem cannot be solved militarily,” said Mr Ould-Abdallah.

He said both sides had now made it clear that they were committed to discussions and reconciliation and he was talking to the TFG and the opposition ARS about the details of the proposed agenda for the talks due next month in Djibouti.

The SRSG called on all Somalis to put the dignity and interests of their own nation and its people above short term considerations and personal animosity.

He said he was convinced that Somalia’s external partners and friends would provide constructive support as the nation moves towards greater stability and lasting reconciliation.

For more information please contact: Susanna Price, 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