S/PV.3620 Security Council

On behalf of the members of the Security Council, I should like to express profound shock and sorrow at the recent passing of the King of the Kingdom of Lesotho, His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II. King Moshoeshoe II was dedicated to the cause of international peace and security and played an important role in the quest for stability and development in southern Africa. I request the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the United Nations to convey to the Government and people of Lesotho and to the bereaved family the Council’s profound condolences. I now invite the members of the Council to rise and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of the late King of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in the course of its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia, document S/1996/42. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council has considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia dated 19 January 1996 (S/1996/42) and is deeply concerned about the absence of any credible progress “The Security Council welcomes with appreciation the efforts of the Organization of African Unity, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States, the European Union and neighbouring States in promoting national dialogue in the search for a solution to the Somali crisis. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of the international community not to abandon the people of Somalia. It reaffirms that the people of Somalia bear ultimate responsibility for achieving national reconciliation and restoring peace. In this respect, the Council urges the leaders of Somali factions to reject violence and place the interests of the country and people above their personal differences and political ambitions. “The Security Council also welcomes and supports the Secretary-General’s intention to maintain the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS). It stresses the importance of its maintaining close cooperation with the regional organizations, monitoring developments in Somalia and continuing contacts with Somali factions. It looks forward to the return of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia to Somalia as soon as circumstances permit. “The Security Council expresses deep concern at the continuing conflict. The resulting insecurity, banditry and general lawlessness increase the suffering of the civilian population. The Council condemns the harassment, beatings, abduction and killings of personnel of international humanitarian organizations, and underlines the responsibility of all parties in Somalia for ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian and other international personnel. This atmosphere of insecurity has regrettably forced the United Nations agencies to relocate international personnel thus hindering the smooth delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance. “The Security Council commends the valiant efforts of United Nations and international humanitarian agencies and their Somali personnel for “The Security Council considers the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to be a crucial factor in the overall security and stability of Somalia. In this respect, the closure of Mogadishu main seaport and other transportation facilities severely aggravates the present situation and poses a potential major impediment to future emergency deliveries. The Council calls upon the Somali parties and factions to open those facilities unconditionally. “The Security Council reminds all States of their obligation to implement fully the general and complete embargo imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution “The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep it informed about developments in Somalia. The Council remains seized of the matter”. This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1996/4. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.