S/PV.3845 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to document S/1997/1000, which contains the text of a letter dated 22 December 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of the Cairo Declaration on Somalia signed by the Somali leaders on that date in concluding their meetings in Cairo, Egypt. 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 situation in Somalia, including the recent developments in the political, military and humanitarian fields. “The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the crisis in Somalia, bearing in mind respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. In this context, it stresses that the responsibility for achieving genuine national reconciliation and peace rests with the Somali people themselves. “The Security Council expresses its full support for the efforts of regional and other interested States as well as those of international and regional organizations, particularly the Organization of African Unity, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to promote a direct political dialogue and facilitate the emergence of a broad-based central Government in Somalia. “The Security Council urges all States to contribute generously to the appeals of the United Nations to ensure continued relief and rehabilitation efforts in all regions of Somalia, including those aimed at the strengthening of civil society. It also stresses the urgent need to address the humanitarian situation in those areas affected by the recent floods. “The Security Council reiterates its call upon all States to fulfil their obligations to implement the embargo imposed by resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992 on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Somalia. In this context, it calls upon all States to refrain from any actions which might exacerbate the situation in Somalia. “The Security Council expresses also its support for the efforts exerted by the Secretary-General aimed at exploring means for the United Nations to assist in restoring peace and stability in Somalia. In this regard, it notes with appreciation the decision of the Secretary-General to strengthen the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in Nairobi. In this regard, it stresses the need for closer coordination of all efforts for peace in Somalia. “The Security Council encourages the Secretary-General to continue his consultations with the Somali parties, interested and regional States and organizations concerned on means for the United Nations to support peace and reconciliation efforts, including through specific options contained in his report of 17 February 1997 (S/1997/135). It “The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1997/57. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.