Juje Posted June 10, 2009 International Contact Group on Somalia 9 – 10 June 2009 Rome Communiqué The 15th meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia (ICG) was held under the chairmanship of the UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah on 9 – 10 June in Rome. The meeting was opened by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, together with the Somali Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke. The ICG welcomes the commitment made by the Transitional Government of Somalia to achieve political stability in Somalia through an inclusive process. The ICG urges the Somali Government to complete the process of national reconciliation by reaching out to those who have yet to support and engage in the process. The ICG is encouraged by the efforts of the Somali Government to introduce a more accountable and transparent system of government which is critical to establishing good governance in Somalia and to enhance the confidence of partners. The ICG calls on all partners to support, through a comprehensive approach, the Somali Government politically, financially and technically to enable it to deliver improved security, the protection of civilians, basic services and provide employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The ICG remains committed to help bring stability, security and prosperity to Somalia. The ICG urges the international community to operationalise its development and assistance strategies in order to further support the progress made by the Somali Government. The ICG requests joint Somali Government and United Nations reports on the support provided. The ICG recognises the need for a planning process for the International Reconstruction and Development Conference to start. The ICG condemns the recent attempt by extremist armed opposition groups to overthrow the legal, legitimate and internationally recognised Somali Government. The ICG supports the engagement of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development and the African Union Peace and Security Council and calls for urgent discussions on the recommendations of their recent meetings. The ICG calls for concerted actions against those individuals, entities and states who obstruct the peace process, including the imposition of necessary measures against those who violate the United Nations Arms Embargo. The ICG supports initiatives aimed at combating piracy, which is an international security threat that also affects the Somali people by worsening the internal economic conditions and hampering delivery of humanitarian assistance. The ICG recognises fighting piracy requires a comprehensive and cohesive approach. The ICG calls for actions to address the root cause of piracy, namely the political, security and social crisis in Somalia, that risks enhancing patterns of collusion with terrorist activities. The ICG recognises the positive role of the international naval presence fighting piracy. The ICG notes the financial and logistical contributions made by partners to date and welcomes the report on the follow up to the Brussels Donor Conference. The ICG urges those who made pledges to disburse and expedite the use of funds and pledges in kind and services without further delay to enable the Somali Security Sector to become more effective and to strengthen AMISOM capabilities. The ICG encourages partners to help train the Somali Security Forces. The ICG appreciates the continued commitment of AMISOM and its troop-contributing countries performing under extremely difficult conditions and calls on all Somali parties to support those working to bring peace and stability to the country. The ICG welcomes the reinforcement of AMISOM troops in Somalia. The ICG remains gravely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly the plight of the displaced and of refugees. The ICG condemns those responsible for the violence and calls on all parties to ensure free and unhindered access and the safety of all aid workers. The ICG urges all parties to continue to work on setting up mechanisms to address impunity and past and current atrocities committed by Somalis against Somalis. The ICG recognises the commitment by the Somali Government through the Djibouti Process to the protection of human rights and adherence to International Humanitarian Law. The ICG calls on all partners to support these efforts. The ICG recognises the involvement and important role played by members of the Somali Diaspora and urges them to help bring about a comprehensive political settlement and an end to the violence in Somalia. The ICG encourages the United Nations and the international community to establish offices in the capital of Somalia as soon as possible. The ICG takes note of the decision of the Italian government to re-open their embassy in Mogadishu. The ICG thanks the Italian Government for hosting the meeting. The Chair and former Co-Chairs agree to formulate plans for the next ICG meeting and revert to members. Present African Union, European Commission, European Union Council Secretariat, Presidency of European Union (Czech Republic), League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Conference, United Nations, World Bank, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacaylbaro Posted June 11, 2009 The ICG calls for concerted actions against those individuals, entities and states who obstruct the peace process, including the imposition of necessary measures against those who violate the United Nations Arms Embargo. Hmmmm ,,,, I wonder if that will include Ethiopia as well. Of course it is meant by Eritrea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johnny B Posted June 11, 2009 ^Very interesting and cut-through to the bones by Brother Oodweyne, except that THIS body is but an informing group that exchanges the latest developments in Somalia to give valuable advice to concerned and interested parties, AND that is exactly what they've done. Italy's move to reopen it's Embassy in Mogadishu is but a politically BOLD move and a strong support for the Somali government. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muriidi Posted June 11, 2009 the icg seems to be forgetting it's role! since goverments refuse to negotiate with what they call terrorists is it not the role of ngo's to negotiate deals between rebels and governments? all they're saying is "do whatever is necessary" we already have someone for that ,it's called a prime minister. "calling on all parties" thus putting government and rebels on the same plane,prolonging and legitimizing the war.i think one should choose one side and consider the other as some sideeffect of the side one has chosen.criteria for choosing a side in a conflict should be how realistic their agenda and present deeds are.if you don't posess that much judgement don't call yourself n.g.o. who is this icg ? are they like "human rights watch"? 'cause they'r not cool.not cool at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
