From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Thu Jun 11 2009 - 17:00:24 EDT
Communiqué from the conference of the International Contact Group on
Somalia
Source: United Nations Political Office for Somalia
Date: 10 Jun 2009
International Contact Group on Somalia
9 – 10 June 2009
Rome
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.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-7SVLLW?OpenDocument
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