Council conclusions on Somalia - 2796th External Relations Council meeting

[NASSIR]

Luxembourg, 23 April 2007 - The Council adopted the following conclusions:

 

 

1. The Council recalls its ongoing concern at the situation in Somalia and stresses the importance of implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1744 (2007) in order to address the political, security and humanitarian challenges faced in Somalia. The Council also welcomes the Communiqué of the International Contact Group on Somalia, dated 3 April 2007.

 

 

2. In particular, the Council expresses its grave concern at the escalation of the conflict, the renewed fighting in Somalia and the severe humanitarian suffering it has caused, and deeply deplores the loss of civilian life and particularly the indiscriminate shelling of heavily populated areas of Mogadishu. The EU emphasises the obligation on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law. It also urges them to work actively to guarantee complete, unhindered and safe access for humanitarian relief work. The Council strongly urges all parties to commit to a lasting cessation of hostilities to avoid further bloodshed. It stresses the need to reach an early agreement on comprehensive and permanent ceasefire arrangements, including mechanisms for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.

 

 

3. The Council reconfirms its support to the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) as the organs mandated by the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC) and the only legitimate authorities to restore peace, stability and governance to Somalia. The EU urges the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to show the leadership and reach out to all parts of Somali society, in launching an inclusive political process, based on the TFC. Particular attention should be given to the need for a broad-based administration of Mogadishu.

 

 

4. The Council urges the TFG to convene the National Reconciliation Congress (NRC) as soon as possible. It states its readiness to support the Congress, financially and otherwise, based on the need for it to help deliver lasting agreement on ceasefire arrangements and a sustainable political process. The EU urges all Somali parties to support the early convening of the Congress and to participate in it constructively. The Council expects the Congress to involve all key stakeholders, who should be able to freely choose their representatives to the Congress.

 

 

5. The Council reaffirms its support for the Africa Union (AU) Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and welcomes the deployment of the Ugandan contingent. The Council expresses its sympathy for the tragic deaths of the Ugandan soldier and Belarusian aircrew in AMISOM, and strongly condemns any hostility towards AMISOM. The EU considers the deployment of AMISOM as crucial in creating the conditions for the stabilisation of the country and the early withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia, and therefore calls on all Somali actors to work with AMISOM to help achieve these aims.

 

 

6. The Council recalls the EU’s contribution of 15 million euros to the financing of AMISOM, and its provision of advisory and planning support to the AU, in addition to bilateral contributions from EU Member States. The Council calls on all international partners to provide further support to AMISOM and on the African troop contributing countries to pursue their deployment as soon as possible.

 

Source: Reliefweb

[General Duke]

Thanks Camir, another example of the TFG success and the isolation of its enemies.

[NASSIR]

TFG has larger domestic and international support.

 

Moreover, if they oppose foreign troops then why do they continue to create a situation that makes it necessary for the country to need outside intervention? Why did they not volunteer to become the troops that their government needs? Why did they not disarm and welcome the TFG? Instead they twice attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister and sent suicide bombers to Baidoa in an attempt to eliminate the President just to show their opposition to the legitimate authority of the country. They also began assassinating anyone who wanted to see the return of a government and the rule of law. These folks have to realize that the Somali nation will not be a hostage to them any longer. They should understand that Somalia is determined to move forward from this sad period in its history. Working against the wave of hope that is spreading across our country is irrational. Furthermore, arguing that we need to “liberate” our country from Ethiopia misses the fact that our nation first needs to be freed from the forces of darkness that have held it hostage for 17 years. Ever wonder why the nationalist fervor is limited to a few neighborhoods in Mogadishu but not throughout the rest of the country? How interesting! O. Hashi

[General Duke]

Nice one Camir.