Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

UN Technical Visit To Somalia

Security Council Calls For UN Technical Visit To Somalia Ahead Of Peace Mission

New York, Feb 2 2007 6:00PM

Renewing its support for the planned deployment of African Union (AU) peacekeepers in Somalia, the Security Council today called for the rapid dispatch of a United Nations technical mission to assess security needs in the war-wracked country.

In a statement to the press following a closed-door meeting on the issue, Ambassador Peter Burian of Slovakia, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, said the 15-member panel wanted the assessment mission team to report back with recommendations on how to bring durable peace to Somalia.

The Council also backed by the proposal by Somali President Abdulahi Yusuf to convene a national reconciliation congress as part of broader efforts to promote peace and reconciliation.

The statement followed a briefing by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari, who stressed the importance of political dialogue and inclusiveness.

Somalia has not had a functioning national government since 1991, when the regime of the dictator Muhammad Siad Barre was toppled. Late last year the transitional Government, backed by Ethiopian troops, dislodged Islamist forces from much of the country.

In December, the Council authorized the deployment of a peace support mission to Somalia, to be run by the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an east African grouping.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Today’s statement called on AU members to contribute to that peace mission, to be known as IGASOM, and also asked the UN to continue to supply as much support as possible to the AU.

The President said there was an urgent need for IGASOM “to help create the conditions for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Somalia and the lifting of emergency security measures currently in place.”

He also voiced “deep concern” over the humanitarian situation and urged all sides to ensure aid workers have unhindered access to those in need. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced or forced into neighbouring countries by recent fighting or by serious flooding.

Ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.