S/PV.4010 Security Council

I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Italy, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The 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 the following documents: S/1999/563, letter dated 17 May 1999 from the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council; S/1999/600, letter dated 24 May 1999 from the Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council; and S/1999/611, letter dated 26 May 1999 from the Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council. Following consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council expresses its alarm at the serious deterioration in the political, military and humanitarian situation in Somalia and concern at the reports of increasing external interference in Somalia. “The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia, bearing in mind respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political “The Security Council expresses its support for the activities of the Standing Committee on Somalia and calls upon all Somali factions to cease immediately all hostilities and to cooperate with the regional and other efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation. “The Security Council is deeply concerned at recent reports of the illicit delivery of weapons and military equipment to Somalia in violation of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992 which could exacerbate the crisis in Somalia and endanger the peace and security of the region as a whole. “The Security Council reiterates its call upon States to observe the arms embargo and to refrain from any actions which might exacerbate the situation in Somalia. It further requests Member States having information about violations of the provisions of resolution 733 (1992) to provide this information to the Committee created pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992. “The Security Council expresses its deep concern at the humanitarian impact of the long- lasting crisis, and in particular condemns attacks or acts of violence against civilians, especially women, children and other vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons. It also condemns attacks on humanitarian workers, in violation of the rules of the international law. “The Security Council calls upon the Somali factions to cooperate on the basis of the principles of neutrality and non-discrimination with the United Nations agencies and other organizations carrying out humanitarian activities. The Council urges all parties to guarantee the security and the freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel and to ensure unhindered access to those in need of assistance. In this regard, it also commends the existing coordination of all efforts of the international community to meet the humanitarian needs of the Somali people undertaken by the Somali Aid “The Security Council urges all States to contribute generously to the appeal 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. “The Security Council welcomes the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in Nairobi. “The Security Council requests the Secretary- General to submit periodic reports on the situation in Somalia. This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1999/16. 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.