S/PV.6158 Security Council

In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation to Her Excellency Mrs. Lila Hanitra Ratsifandrihamanana, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, to participate in the consideration of the item in accordance with rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend invitations under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ms. Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary- General for Field Support. 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. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by Mr. Lynn Pascoe and Ms. Susana Malcorra. I now give the floor to Mr. Pascoe. Mr. Pascoe: We meet here today at a critical time for Somalia. The situation in the country, particularly in Mogadishu, remains very fragile. While there have been some solid successes in consolidating the Government, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) continues to face intense pressure from insurgent forces, backed by foreign fighters, who seek to seize power. As the Secretary-General has reiterated on several occasions, it is time for action on Somalia. The choice before us is a stark one. Either we help the Somali people overcome the current attempt to thwart efforts towards peace or we allow the new unity Government based on consensus and the Djibouti accords to fall to a radical armed opposition. Despite numerous challenges, the TFG, under the leadership of President Sharif, has achieved some notable accomplishments during its first six months in office. The Government strives to maintain cohesion despite the obvious difficulties faced by any government of national unity. The TFG has maintained an open-door policy to those outside the Djibouti process by reaching out to opposition forces and working to broaden its base of support among community, religious and civil society leaders. The Prime Minister has recently signed a broad-based agreement with Ahlu Sunnah Waljama’a, one of the major religious opposition groups in central Somalia. This agreement, covering political, security, humanitarian and development issues, was negotiated within the spirit of Djibouti and underscores the Government’s determination to invite all groups to join in the rebuilding of Somalia. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ould Abdallah, continues to work with the Government and all opposition groups to facilitate dialogue in an effort to make the peace process more inclusive. The Government has attempted to win the hearts and minds of the Somali people and to project a moderate vision of Islam that is in keeping with Somali culture. The recent pronouncements by President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed urging Somalis to reject violence and extremism have also been helpful in this regard. However, the Government will continue to require more support in its public information and outreach programmes to ensure that this message is widely disseminated amongst the Somali populace. By contrast, Al-Shabaab appears to have intensified its strategy of coercion and intimidation of the population, using targeted assassinations of clan elders and government officials and harsh punishments for seemingly minor offences. Recent examples of acts that have shocked many Somalis, who practice a very moderate form of their religion, include the decapitation of local community leaders and the dismemberment of youths for theft. Reports of resistance by local populations and community leaders to the presence of Al-Shabaab and foreign fighters will bolster the Government’s efforts aimed at political mobilization. Even in the midst of its fight for survival, the Government has put in place more transparent and accountable financial management measures. It has contracted the auditing firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers to assist with tracking and reporting on the use of funds. That should generate greater donor confidence — especially on the part of those who pledged in Brussels — by making the entire process more transparent. This is in addition to the tracking mechanism that has been put in place by the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), with the support of the African Union, the United Nations Support Office for the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Government. The TFG has developed a budget based on revenues generated from Mogadishu seaport, which ensured initial payments of salaries for the police, security forces and parliamentarians residing in Mogadishu. The role of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in helping the TFG to resist this latest assault in Mogadishu has been pivotal, even while the mission has been operating in a very difficult and challenging security environment. In that regard, we would like to pay tribute to the Burundi and Uganda contingents of AMISOM for the commendable work they are undertaking in Somalia on behalf of the international community. We deeply appreciate the leadership provided by Major General Okello, Force Commander of AMISOM, who has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment to peace in Somalia. In Mogadishu in particular, the ongoing conflict between insurgent groups and Government forces has taken a severe toll on the civilian population, displacing more than 200,000 people since the start of the recent spate of fighting on 7 May 2009. Overall, the number of internally displaced persons in Somalia stands at 1.3 million. The humanitarian situation is being further exacerbated by the worsening drought in Somalia and throughout the region. Increasing insecurity in the Jubas and Mogadishu, coupled with drought and food insecurity issues — including in the Gedo region, which borders Kenya — are cited as the main reasons for a noticeable increase in the number of arrivals in Dadaab camp, in Kenya. A total of 6,463 more refugees were registered in June. As of 5 July, the overall population at Dadaab stands at 284,306, an increase of 21 per cent since the beginning of 2009. The implications of that new influx for already congested facilities and for tense host communities competing for resources are severe. In this challenging context, while the humanitarian needs for Somalia remain high, it is critical that Security Council members encourage donors to rapidly fund the consolidated appeal. At the end of June, only 44 per cent of the $984 million requested had been received, leaving a critical shortfall in the areas of health, water and sanitation and security. In order to consolidate the political gains of the Djibouti accords, the Secretary-General has proposed — and the Council has endorsed — a four-track strategy, on political matters, security, recovery and combating piracy. On the political track, in addition to fostering national reconciliation and sustaining dialogue between the TFG and opposition groups, the United Nations, under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, has undertaken a series of discussions with the Government to identify key ministries whose capacities would need to be strengthened in the first phase. Having identified possible funding from international financial institutions, UNPOS has made several visits to Mogadishu to reach agreement with the Cabinet and the Prime Minister on, among other things, the modalities of this capacity-building effort. Consultations also continue on the development of a constitution, including a future conference on the place of sharia law in the new constitution. On the security track, UNPOS has reached an agreement with the TFG to use the Joint Security Committee as the principal mechanism for coordination between the TFG and the international community on security matters. This would include the establishment and functioning of the national security force and the police force. The United Nations Development Programme continues to coordinate the training of Somali police in consultation with AMISOM. The payment of salaries for the trained police is ongoing, while bilateral partners are working on training national security forces. We continue working on an incremental approach towards the possible establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation. That approach calls for expeditious assistance to the TFG in building its own security forces and institutions and the strengthening of AMISOM to reach its mandated strength of 8,000. On the recovery track, the United Nations country team is initiating a series of projects to help Somalia move beyond the current emergency and to ensure that its people experience some benefit from the peace process. Those projects include increasing access to basic services, such as water, health and education; creating livelihoods through rapid employment generation; the rehabilitation of key infrastructure; and other rapid-impact recovery programmes. Finally, on piracy, the United Nations appreciates the operations of the international maritime forces in their anti-piracy efforts. Following the May meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, the United Nations was requested to serve as the secretariat of the Contact Group and to establish a trust fund to address the legal and land-based dimensions of piracy. A plan of action has been developed with the United Nations country team to implement a series of activities that would provide alternative livelihoods and enhance law enforcement. The Secretary-General has dispatched his Legal Counsel, Ms. Patricia O’Brien, to Kenya to explore possible initiatives to combat piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia, including the development of a legal framework for combating piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. In our view, there are three key measures that we can take immediately to turn around the two decades of instability in Somalia. The first is to heed the call made by the African Union heads of State or Government in Sirte last week to express our full support for the Transitional Federal Government as the legitimate authority in Somalia and to honour the financial pledges made to support the Government during the Brussels conference in April. In order to enable the Government to enhance its legitimacy and broaden its base, we must invest in building the security institutions and improve its capacity to deliver public services and employment, which could have a positive impact on the hearts and minds of ordinary Somalis. Projects aimed at encouraging youth employment and enhancing the livelihood of ordinary Somalis need to be given priority. These are essential to wean Somalis away from conflict, including acts of piracy, which has been the major employer in Somalia for most of the past two decades. Secondly, we need to build up AMISOM and provide it with the resources necessary to enable it to continue to support the TFG and the people of Somalia. As President Sharif recently stated, the TFG’s immediate physical survival is very much dependent on a more robust AMISOM presence. We strongly urge Member States to support the strengthening of AMISOM’s capacity and to enable it to reach its full authorized strength of 8,000. The United Nations is committed to providing support to AMISOM, as Under-Secretary-General Malcorra will discuss in her statement. Thirdly, we must focus on promoting reconciliation while, at the same time, taking measures against armed groups and foreign elements that are undermining the reconciliation process. As the Secretary-General has said on many occasions, the Somali peace process is open to all groups that renounce violence and are willing to work with the Government. That is the message being sent by the TFG to all parties that remain outside the peace process. It will be important for regional actors to work to encourage the armed groups to work towards that end and towards peace in Somalia. In conclusion, we acknowledge that national reconciliation must first begin with the Somalis, yet we are aware of the considerable investment that the international community has made in the future of Somalia. We must do what we can to preserve the gains achieved through the Djibouti Agreement. It is in the international community’s interest to ensure not only that the TFG does not collapse, but that it thrives. Action now will avert the inevitable high price of going in at a later date if we are not successful. We believe that immediate and concerted action by the international community can help the Somali people turn a new page in their troubled history and create a conducive environment for peace, stability and recovery.

I thank Mr. Pascoe for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Susana Malcorra. Ms. Malcorra: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council once again on the progress made to strengthen the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somalia’s security institutions. Security Council resolution 1863 (2009), adopted in January, endorsed the Secretary-General’s proposed strategy for Somalia, consisting of a United Nations support package for AMISOM and the building of the capacity of the Somali security sector. That support is funded through a combination of voluntary contributions through United Nations trust funds, bilateral support for AMISOM and Somali security institutions and assessed contributions for the United Nations logistics support package. It is an integrated strategy that recognizes the importance of each of those components in strengthening peace and security in Somalia and was devised by the Secretary-General to support the political process, build security and stability in the country, promote humanitarian assistance and help recovery efforts in a manner that is responsive to the prevailing conditions on the ground. The international community’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia was further expressed by the Council in its resolution 1872 (2009) which called on the Secretary-General to, among other activities, continue to provide logistical support to AMISOM through 31 January 2010. The success of the Somalia donors conference held in Brussels on 23 April was evidenced by pledges totalling approximately well over $200 million. Currently, $15 million has been received by the United Nations trust fund for AMISOM. Specific discussions are under way with other donors, with the possibility of soon doubling the contributions to the trust fund. The current military strength of AMISOM in Mogadishu stands at 4,274 troops comprising three battalions from Uganda and two battalions from Burundi. The African Union’s continued efforts to bring the AMISOM force up to its full mandated strength of 8,000 troops, reinforced with maritime and air components, is critical to secure key installations and humanitarian supply lines in Mogadishu, including the airport, the seaport and other strategic locations. Voluntary support for AMISOM remains an essential complement to the United Nations logistics support package. Those requirements include funding and in-kind support to meet troop payments and urgently needed contingent equipment. However, with the majority of pledged donor support to the African Union and troop-contributing countries to be provided bilaterally, effective coordination is critical if AMISOM is to be properly supported without gaps or duplication. To date, the United Nations has not applied any of the funding available in the trust fund for support to AMISOM. This has been done as part of an effort to ensure that this funding is available to meet those requirements that will not be supported by major bilateral contributors. I urge all Member States and regional organizations, including the European Union and the League of Arab States, to redouble their efforts to expedite the disbursement of pledges and to work closely with the United Nations to ensure that the combined support for AMISOM can be identified and prioritized. On the ground, we are gathering momentum. I would like to take this opportunity to brief the Council on key support achievements and specific actions taken to date. Of the initial funding of $72 million provided up to 30 June 2009 for United Nations logistical support to AMISOM, approximately 95 per cent was committed. With a focus on initial start-up equipment requirements, the available funding has been used to initiate the procurement of equipment and supplies for both direct support to AMISOM and necessary requirements of the new United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). Interim “life support” supplies for AMISOM continue to be provided by a Member State with its own vendor. The commercial supply arrangements of the United Nations, sourced to United Nations procurement and supply standards, are expected to come into effect in a phased manner beginning next month. In the meantime, the United Nations has enhanced AMISOM’s existing supply arrangements where possible, including by providing additional rations, medical supplies, specialized equipment and field defence resources. On rations, UNSOA has commenced the weekly delivery of combat ration packs to supplement AMISOM’s current fresh food supplies and to raise the daily caloric count to United Nations standards. Over 6,500 ration packs have been airlifted into Mogadishu to date, with the objective of delivering 12,000 ration packs per week until the United Nations support package is fully implemented. Arrangements were also put in place to provide AMISOM with strategic reserves of rations to mitigate risks to AMISOM’s supply chain. An initial United Nations rations contract is expected to be operational in August. With regard to air support, in the light of the security conditions in Mogadishu, short-term arrangements for commercial MEDEVAC capacity have been enhanced. The Department of Field Support is working closely with the Department of Safety and Security to assess the feasibility of supply flights to AMISOM. On the subject of fuel, a fuel contract is expected to be awarded in August. Regarding sea freight, options for services — chartering a vessel or using a freight forwarding vendor — are being established to enable UNSOA to commence sea delivery services to Mogadishu in August. Field defence stores, medical and pharmaceutical supplies and a mobile airfield lighting system have been deployed to Mogadishu. Training for those capacities is being conducted in Entebbe. Additional training requirements have been identified by AMISOM troop-contributors to operate specialized equipment for strategic communications systems, firefighting, first aid and trauma care and movement control and property management, which is also ongoing. The ex-UNMEE — United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea — donation is now starting to be used. I can report that, following training in Entebbe, containers and prefabricated buildings are now being erected and that about 50 vehicles are also in use within the airport defensive area. A remaining priority is the construction of a force headquarters and level II hospital in Mogadishu, to provide facilities for a United Nations presence in country and to allow AMISOM to expand from a military mission to an integrated civilian, police and military operation. The construction requirements have been released to vendors and a contract award is targeted for August. Much of the required equipment mobilized to date has been sourced through the strategic deployment stocks located at our logistics base in Brindisi, highlighting the importance of the readiness of the United Nations to quickly respond to Security Council mandates. Although a number of critical items have already been moved by air, the first significant United Nations consignment of support assets, worth over $15 million, is expected to arrive in Mombasa this week. These assets will provide essential capabilities to AMISOM in Mogadishu. They include prefabricated buildings, medical equipment, workshops, sanitation systems, refrigeration units for food storage and armoured vehicles. This consignment from Brindisi is being transported by a United Nations-chartered ship, and I wish to acknowledge and extend our appreciation to the international maritime task force, especially Operation Atalanta, for the escort and security assistance that is being provided to our consignment. We have recently received confirmation that the Government of Kenya has given its approval for UNSOA to establish a logistics support base in Mombasa. We welcome this development, which paves the way for immediate and long-term support and improved means of delivery. The memorandum of understanding between the United Nations and the African Union for the provision of support to the African Union Mission in Somalia, which establishes appropriate internal controls to ensure that all equipment and services provided by the United Nations are provided in a transparent manner, has been endorsed by the United Nations Controller and submitted to the African Union for final approval and signature. It includes payments and other support provided through the United Nations Trust Fund. We expect the memorandum will be signed by the African Union shortly. Further funding of $139 million has recently been approved by the General Assembly for the start of the new budget period effective 1 July. Under existing plans, this level of funding effectively provides for logistics support operations to continue for approximately four months. The Assembly is scheduled to consider funding for the full 2009-2010 budget cycle this October. The start-up phase of any field operation, including logistics support for AMISOM, requires certainty of resources. Permit me to offer an observation here. This short-term approach to funding limits the field mission in undertaking longer-term strategic planning critical to its core objectives, has implications for procurement arrangements and can hamper efforts to attract experienced staff. Member States’ support for stable, full-year funding will ensure that UNSOA can continue its operations in a manner more conducive to its fully meeting its mandate. We continue to make systematic progress in the implementation of the support package to AMISOM. We are pleased to report our continued close partnership with the African Union in supporting the Somali peace process and our close cooperation with AMISOM on the ground in the delivery of the support package. The establishment of UNSOA in the premises of the United Nations Office in Nairobi has been achieved. Recruitment of international and national staff is ongoing. The proximity of AMISOM headquarters, the United Nations Political Office for Somalia and UNSOA in Nairobi, as well as United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, continues to promote collaboration, information sharing and responsiveness among all of the key players in the support effort. Important progress has also been made with respect to access for missions to Mogadishu. Working closely with the Department of Safety and Security, UNSOA representatives have recently undertaken three visits to AMISOM, and preparations are underway to build up essential security aimed at enabling the establishment of a small rotating permanent presence in the capital. The deployment of international staff is instrumental in enabling the delivery of the required level of support associated with a United Nations peacekeeping operation. Until security conditions permit UNSOA to establish this small footprint in Mogadishu, interim oversight mechanisms will continue using United Nations, AU and contracted personnel in order to achieve our objectives. When the required capability is fully implemented, UNSOA and the logistics support package for AMISOM will provide one of the key steps for implementing the strategy endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 1872 (2009). In this regard, a fully functioning UNSOA and established supply arrangements will enhance the operating standards of AMISOM troops towards United Nations standards. Although valuable gains are now being made in this effort, it will be some months, probably only in early 2010, before the logistics support package is fully rolled out. However, its effectiveness in supporting AMISOM’s implementation of its mandate also depends on increasing the numbers of AMISOM troops on the ground. Finally, allow me to pay tribute to the Ugandan and Burundian battalions, led by Force Commander Major General Okello, and their efforts on very difficult terrain. Mr. President: I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

At the outset, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council. I very warmly congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and wish you success. I also wish to express my appreciation to last month’s Council President, His Excellency Mr. Baki İlkin of Turkey. Allow me also to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Lynn Pascoe, and the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Ms. Susana Malcorra, who have just briefed us. I very much appreciate their briefings. I wish to also thank and express our appreciation for the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), as well as other international regional organizations that are currently supporting Somalia and whose continued support is urgently required. I would like to begin my presentation with some salient points from the address of His Excellency Mr. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, to the 13th African Union Summit, held from 1 to 3 July 2009 in Sirte, Libya. His Excellency the President stated that following approximately 20 years when there were no functioning governments, the long-awaited breakthrough in the tragedy experienced by the people of Somalia came when the National Reconciliation Conference was held in Djibouti under the auspices of the United Nations, the international community and regional and local organizations. It led to a peace agreement between the then interim Somali Government and the opposition at the beginning of this year, and the new joint parliament was formed. His Excellency the President was elected and then a Government of National Unity was appointed and gained the confidence of the parliament and the majority of the Somali people. Unfortunately, during the long period of chaos in the country, Somalia became a safe haven for militants and terrorists who continue to obstruct peace efforts and pose a threat not only to Somalia but to the region as well. The situation is now very critical, as was mentioned by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. Now the situation is taking on a new dimension since the emergence of the extremist movements which are linked to Al-Qaida and some State sponsors of terrorism which always maintain agendas that do not promote the interests of peace in Somalia. The presence of Al-Qaida in Somalia is not merely a claim; it is a reality. On 19 March 2009, Usama bin Laden declared war against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and incited foreign fighters to help overthrow it by mobilizing financial and human resources for that purpose. In the past month, groups of extremists, along with foreign fighters backed by the Eritrean Government, launched attacks on the Government. As a result, hundreds of thousands of innocent people were displaced from Mogadishu. During this brief period of about five or six months, as mentioned by Mr. Lynn Pascoe, the achievements of the Transitional Federal Government have included the following. Immediately after its formation, the Government, including the Parliament, was moved to Mogadishu, the capital. The Government opened peace and reconciliation negotiations and welcomed all efforts by tribal leaders, businessmen, religious leaders and members of civil society to bring about reconciliation between the Government and the opposition. These efforts resulted in some success, including some of the opposition groups joining the Government. Other achievements include: the preparation and implementation of a temporary budget; the establishment of a central bank and financial institutions and the appointment of an Accountant General; the formation of an anti-corruption commission; the establishment of the Military High Court with the objective of disciplining the Somali forces and preventing human rights violations; the integration of the former transitional Government forces and the forces of the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia; and the appointment of a chief of staff, a land force commander, a commander of the navy and coast guard and a commander of the air force. In order to enable the Transitional Federal Government to take control of the situation in the country and deliver on its mission, His Excellency President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed appealed to heads of State or Government at the just-concluded African Union summit to provide the necessary support to his Government as soon as possible, especially in the following areas: bringing the number of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to 8,000, as promised; broadening the African Union Mission in Somalia and following up on the full participation in the peacekeeping process; and accelerating the strengthening of the Somali national forces by providing training, equipment and funding. The current situation in Somalia is so serious that it cannot wait for a long period of deliberations, as our President has stated. That is why he has said that we urgently need support as soon as possible. The approval of the implementation of the communiqué of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was also requested, as were contributions for building up the Somali security forces, for providing humanitarian relief for the affected population, which was also mentioned by the Under-Secretary-General Ms. Malcorra, and for building infrastructure and implementing development projects in the country. In conclusion, let me refer to paragraph 16 of the communiqué of the just-concluded African Union summit in Sirte, which calls on “the United Nations Security Council, in line with the AU Peace and Security Council and IGAD communiqué, to take immediate measures, including the imposition of a no-fly zone and blockade of seaports, to prevent the entry of foreign elements into Somalia, as well as flights and shipments carrying weapons and ammunition”. It is these foreign elements which are continuously attacking the Government, AMISOM and the population in general. The communiqué also requests the imposition of sanctions against all those foreign actors, both within and outside the region, specially Eritrea, providing support to the armed groups engaged in destabilization activities in Somalia, attacks against the Transitional Federal Government, the civilian population and AMISOM, as well as against all the Somali individuals and entities working towards undermining the peace and reconciliation efforts. In view of the critical situation in Somalia, I have the honour to reiterate the appeal made by His Excellency Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed for urgent action by the Security Council and the international community. I wish also to thank all those who have so far supported the fight against piracy in Somalia, those who are supporting us now and those who will be supporting us in the future. I would also like to express my appreciation to Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia. Although my President did not mention this, it was requested that I should mention that a United Nations peacekeeping force should also be provided and that AMISOM should become part of that peacekeeping force as soon as possible.

I shall now give the floor to members of the Security Council. Sir John Sawers (United Kingdom): Away from any media cameras, the suffering of the people of Somalia too often fails to get the attention from the international community that it should. At the African Union summit last weekend, African leaders asked the Security Council to take action. So this debate is timely in considering our next steps. My delegation is grateful to you, Mr. President, for organizing it today. I thank Under-Secretaries-General Pascoe and Malcorra for their briefings today. I also thank our colleague the Permanent Representative of Somalia for his contribution. As the briefings have underlined, progress has been made by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to establish itself in Mogadishu, and the United Nations has moved quickly to deliver the support package for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) that the Council requested and approved. However, fighting in Somalia has increased over recent weeks, and the humanitarian situation has further deteriorated. We have seen a spate of attacks against the Transitional Federal Government and the civilian population by armed groups, apparently set on undermining the Djibouti Agreement, the reconciliation process and Somalia’s stability. There are four main areas where the United Kingdom believes action is needed on Somalia, which should be the focus of the Council’s attention over the coming period. First is to tackle the humanitarian crisis. More than 3 million people are now in need of assistance. That is a staggering figure. I understand that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that over 150,000 people have been displaced from Mogadishu just since 7 May. The international community must continue to support the TFG in delivering basic security, food and health care. Second is the political track. Ultimately, we need Somali solutions to Somali problems. The Djibouti Agreement provides the basis for that. The international community has to continue to support the TFG and President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, including by living up to the pledges we all made in Brussels in April. The TFG must continue its efforts at reconciliation and in providing security to the population of Somalia. Thirdly, we need to do all we can to bring to an end the attacks against the TFG, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the civilian population by armed groups, and to provide a secure environment in which the Federal Government can work. AMISOM has played a critical role in supporting President Sharif’s Government and in securing key installations in Mogadishu. The United Kingdom pays tribute to the Governments of Uganda and Burundi for their continuing commitment to that difficult operation. AMISOM needs further strengthening, and further contributions are needed. The United Kingdom has donated £10 million to the United Nations Trust Fund for AMISOM, as well as £5 million directly to the African Union for the Somalia operation. We encourage others to also contribute. As I have said, we welcome the excellent work by the Department of Field Support, as described by Under-Secretary- General Malcorra, to ensure the rapid delivery of the United Nations logistical support package to AMISOM. The Council should also seek to halt the illegal flow of weapons and ammunition entering the country and being provided to rebel groups. We should demand that both internal and external actors responsible for carrying out and supporting attacks on TFG and AMISOM forces immediately cease their actions. In line with the request from the African Union, the Security Council should stand ready to take action against any individuals, entities or Governments shown to be arming or supporting those who are carrying out those attacks. The United Kingdom looks forward to receiving shortly the report of the sanctions Monitoring Group and any other evidence submitted to the Somalia sanctions Committee. The long-term solution to Somalia’s security remains the training of the Somali security forces. The United Nations Development Programme has done some good work in training the police, but there is still much to do to strengthen the Joint Security Forces. Several United Nations Member States are providing training, and the United Kingdom welcomes that. We should all consider how we can help. The fourth issue is piracy. The Security Council needs to continue to work to ensure security on Somalia’s seas as well as on land. We must tackle both piracy and its root causes. We welcome the work of the international Contact Group on Piracy. On the operational front, the United Kingdom is providing the command and headquarters of the European Union’s naval mission. The Council should stand behind the call made by African Union leaders last the weekend for an end to the recent fighting in Somalia and for all groups to respect and cooperate with the Transitional Federal Government. Following consultations with other delegations, including Uganda in particular, the United Kingdom yesterday circulated a draft presidential statement backing the African Union’s call. The statement also calls for greater international support to AMISOM and makes it clear that the Council will consider the imposition of sanctions on anyone engaged in undermining the stability of Somalia. Reaction to our draft has been very positive. Right now, we are working to iron out some minor changes that colleagues have asked. I hope that we might be in a position to adopt the draft presidential statement at the end of our debate this morning. After a period of progress earlier this year following the formation of a new Government under a new President, the security and humanitarian situation in Somalia is once again worsening. The Security Council and the international community have to do what they can to provide practical support to both the TFG and AMISOM so we can help to bring about the stability and security that the people of Somalia deserve.

Let me also thank Under-Secretaries-General Pascoe and Malcorra for their comprehensive briefings today, as well as the Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU) and Ambassador Duale, Permanent Representative of Somalia, for being with us today. The United States remains committed to several goals in Somalia: first, supporting Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in its battle against al-Shabaab and other violent extremists; secondly, bolstering the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); thirdly, helping the TFG to establish itself as a legitimate and stable Government that can control its territory and provide basic services to its citizens; fourthly, partnering with the international community to ease the suffering of the Somali people; and fifthly, battling the scourge of piracy off the Somali coast. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent military offensives designed to topple the TFG that were launched by al-Shabaab, which the United States has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. We are particularly concerned by the recent influx of foreign fighters into Mogadishu’s already precarious security environment. Such extremists aim to prolong the cycle of violence and poverty that has ravaged Somalia for almost two decades. The international community must stand united in its support for the TFG. If the extremists are successful, we could lose yet another generation of Somalis to war, disease and desperate poverty. The people of Somalia have suffered far too much for far too long. The international community must support their efforts to improve security and extend the reach of their Government institutions, as well as provide life-saving humanitarian assistance. Without our support, Somalia risks becoming a lasting safe haven and training ground for those plotting terrorist attacks around the world. AMISOM is playing an indispensable role in helping to stabilize the security situation on the ground. In particular, we salute the dedication of the Ugandan and Burundian forces. But their bravery alone is not enough. AMISOM needs the support of the United Nations and its Member States to achieve its objectives. That is why the United States continues to support the provision of a United Nations support package to AMISOM, as approved by the Council in resolution 1872 (2009). My Government has also provided more than $135 million in training, equipment and logistical support to AMISOM since the Mission’s creation. But more still must be done. We call on the States of the African Union to consider sending more peacekeepers to this vital Mission. We also call on United Nations Member States to extend generous support for AMISOM’s activities. We have to do more than support the TFG and AMISOM. We must also bring immense pressure to bear on those working to subvert the TFG and the Djibouti process and to undermine efforts to stabilize Somalia. It is no secret that al-Shabaab has been bolstered by Al-Qaida operatives and by the hundreds of foreign fighters who have been pouring into Somalia. We must all do a better job of stemming the flow of extremists, arms and financial support into Somalia. The United States is particularly concerned about the financial, military, logistical and political support that the Government of Eritrea is offering to al- Shabaab and other extremists in Somalia. The United States and others have tried repeatedly to engage the Eritrean leadership, including with the aim to convince them to stop, but to date the Eritreans have rebuffed attempts to open a substantive dialogue. But even now it is not too late. The United States calls on the Government of Eritrea to seize this window of opportunity to change course. The United States is extremely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Somalia, as described by Under-Secretary-General Pascoe here today. To date, nearly 500,000 Somali refugees have fled the country, and more than 1.5 million people have been internally displaced. In January 2009, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that 3.2 million people needed humanitarian assistance in Somalia, roughly 43 per cent of the population. To help meet these needs, the United States Government has provided more than $149 million in fiscal year 2009 for humanitarian assistance programmes in Somalia, including more than $9 million to support agriculture and food security, economic and market systems, health and nutrition protection and clean water, sanitation and improved hygiene. Security in Somalia properly tends to be the international community’s main focus — and it should be, as the security situation severely exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. But even so, the international community must redouble its aid efforts to avoid a wider humanitarian catastrophe. We are also quite concerned about the large influx of refugees into Kenya. Geography will continue to make Kenya, along with Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen, a primary destination for Somalis fleeing their country. But we urgently need to expand refugee camp capacity in Kenya. The three primary camps near the border are terribly overcrowded, with more than 275,000 refugees crammed into a space designed for 90,000 people. The United States and others are supporting the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to acquire more land for new camps and to ease the burden that Kenyan communities bear from hosting so many refugees. Finally, let me say a few words about piracy. As we all know, piracy off shore is but a symptom of the larger problems facing Somalia on shore. But even as we work to cure the disease we must continue to treat the symptoms. The international response to the piracy problem has been impressive, but we still face significant legal, logistical and political problems over one key component of an effective deterrence strategy. That is the prosecution of suspected pirates. My Government believes that States victimized or affected by piracy bear the primary responsibility for prosecuting pirates. These States must step up and shoulder their share of the burden of the prosecutions, as France, the Netherlands and others have done. In the rare cases in which a State truly cannot prosecute, we applaud the willingness of regional States, such as Kenya, to let themselves be considered as alternative venues. But in such cases we believe that the affected States should be responsible for helping to defray the trial’s costs. In conclusion, let me say that all of us can see that paying ransom perpetuates acts of piracy. The United States does not offer concessions to hostage- takers, whether they are driven by political or financial motives, and we encourage other States to take a similar position. We would, in particular, be interested in forming a group of so-called non-concession States to work together to help slow the rise of piracy off the Somali coast. The United States looks forward to continuing to work with the United Nations and all Member States to finally forge a stable, secure and more prosperous Somalia.

I wish to thank Under-Secretaries-General Pascoe and Malcorra for their briefings this morning. My thanks go also to the Permanent Representative of Somalia for his statement. The Security Council is meeting once again to discuss the situation in Somalia. That situation constitutes a tragedy that has persisted for nearly two decades. During those two decades we have seen fighting among brothers and unjustified bloodshed. They have been two decades of chaos, with ordinary Somali civilians dying either from weapons or from a lack of food and medicine. They have been two decades of continuous displacement and lack of security, two decades of fighting fuelling further fighting and of growing hatred among tribes, with those able to work facing no alternative but to join the ranks of the fighters. These have been long years marked by human rights violations and by the international community’s inability to intervene effectively and firmly. Unfortunately, they have also been marked by interference — whether with good or bad intentions — from international and regional forces, which has served only to intensify the conflict and increase the number of victims. What is happening in Somalia makes us wonder why the international community has taken no effective action. Where is the responsibility to protect, which was endorsed by the 2005 World Summit? Does the Somali people not deserve protection from its tormentors? Does the legitimate Government resulting from the Djibouti agreement not deserve the support it needs from the international community? Does the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) not deserve financial support and equipment from the United Nations budget? How can the United Nations fail to allocate the funds and equipment necessary to help African States that are willing to contribute troops to bring AMISOM up to its goal of 8,000 troops? Why do some States oppose this, even though they rushed to deploy their warships to the waters off the Somali coast — at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars — when they felt that their own interests were being threatened, while no State has acted to protect Somali fish stocks, which continue to be plundered under the protection of international naval forces for the enjoyment of restaurant-goers in wealthy countries? What is happening in Somalia cannot be resolved through small measures; these might salvage the Government headquarters or repel an attack by the opposition. No, this requires full and robust United Nations engagement in support of the Government in order to confront those seeking to undermine that Government. That can be achieved only through the Organization’s regular budget, because the Government and AMISOM cannot wage this war on the basis of voluntary contributions alone. The international community had a golden opportunity to resolve the problem of Somalia and restore peace following the election of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as President of Somalia and the formation of the Transitional Federal Government. But unfortunately, hesitation in supporting the new Government only encouraged the opposition to work to topple it, and they almost succeeded in doing so. The time has come for us to learn the lesson and take the opportunity to restore peace to Somalia. To achieve this, the Security Council must take the necessary measures to prevent access by Somali opposition forces to weapons, funds and foreign fighters. Support must also be offered to the Transitional Federal Government in order to establish a national army and capable security forces and to help the Government impose State control throughout the country. We believe that this goal can be achieved only by offering support to AMISOM and transforming it into a United Nations mission as soon as possible. At the same time, we must continue with the political process within the framework of the Djibouti Agreement and draft a permanent constitution for the country. As for the issue of piracy, in order to eliminate this phenomenon and enable the Somali people to benefit from their marine wealth, the international forces deployed off the Somali coast must protect Somali marine wealth and combat illegal fishing operations carried out by foreign companies in areas under Somali sovereignty. These forces must help Somali fishermen to carry out their marine activities freely. There is no doubt that this would contribute to resolving the hunger problem in Somalia. In closing, I commend the great efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mr. Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, in facilitating the political process within the framework of the Djibouti Agreement. I would also like to commend the role being played by AMISOM and to thank the troop- contributing countries, namely Uganda and Burundi, for their sacrifices and their continued commitment to maintaining the presence of AMISOM in Somalia.

We would like to thank Under-Secretaries-General Lynn Pascoe and Susana Malcorra for their briefings today and Ambassador Elmi Ahmed Duale, the Permanent Representative of Somalia, for his statement. We welcome the presence here among us of the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations. Mexico recognizes the important efforts made by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia in its struggle to stabilize the country. We also welcome the work of Mr. Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, in the difficult circumstances he is facing. Similarly, we would like to recognize the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to achieve peace and stability in the country and the commitment showed by the Governments of Uganda and Burundi. We hope that the financial situation, the stable situation on the ground and the support pledged by other African countries through the provision of troops will, together, bring about the complete deployment of AMISOM and enable the Mission to fully meet the political, security and humanitarian objectives of its mandate. Mexico has noted the agreements and statements made by the African Union as a result of the Sirte summit in recent days, as well as the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for regional security. We believe that it is vital that the Security Council discuss the appeal of the Assembly of the African Union that the Council impose a no-fly zone and a blockade on Somali ports to halt the entry of mercenaries and weapons, as well as issue sanctions against Eritrea for providing support to insurgents. We believe that the Council has a responsibility to take action, given the worsening situation on the ground in all areas and the challenges the country is facing in increasingly critical conditions. Instability and increased fighting in recent weeks underscore the fragile nature of the situation in the country. The violent deaths of the Minister for National Security and the Chief of Police of Mogadishu are also proof of the disturbing reach that Al-Shabaab and related groups have in terms of the indiscriminate use of violence. Raids by foreign fighters, insurgents’ links to Al-Qaida and the radicalization of their forms of combat are also disturbing. As result of violence and fear, there continues to be a growing number of deaths among civilians, forced displacements of the population, renewed shortages and an increase in illnesses, in particular in camps for internally displaced persons and refugees. It goes without saying that the substantial political and economic costs of this crisis are unsustainable. The United Nations must provide assistance to the Transitional Federal Government in order to promote national reconciliation between the Government itself and opposition groups within the framework of the Djibouti peace process. We call for a rapid implementation of the support shown at the donor conference held in Brussels in April, in accordance with national priorities. My delegation is convinced that only by reinforcing the capacity of the Government in the security sector and the rule of law and ensuring full compliance with international law will long-term stability in the country and secure living conditions for the Somali population be assured. Mexico believes that the gradual approach that we adopted in resolution 1872 (2009) is the best way to coordinate the work of the Government of Somalia, agencies of this Organization and the support of AMISOM. We need to ensure the successful implementation of that resolution, with the objective of determining, at the right time, the possible deployment of a peacekeeping operation, in the best possible conditions. However, given the current difficult conditions and the history of chronic crisis and instability, minimal security conditions on the ground must be urgently established in order to ensure an ongoing climate of stability. We believe we must continue to explore options for finding the most appropriate approach and strengthening the authority of the Transitional Federal Government and promoting its consolidation in terms of its ability to govern and protect the civilian population. The implementation of resolution 1872 (2009) depends on this primary task. It is essential for safeguarding the survival of government functions and the life and dignity of the population by meeting their basic security, health and food needs. The forced displacement of approximately 200,000 individuals as a result of the most recent wave of violence has worsened the already critical humanitarian situation and affected the survival of some hundreds of thousands of Somali people, some of them for entire generations. My delegation is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation, including the situation of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees, and we regret the deaths, primarily of children, brought about by malnutrition. Another crucial aspect is the situation of insecurity in which humanitarian staff find themselves and which has made it impossible to gain access and entry into some areas. That has led to greater loss of life. Moreover, we condemn all actions against AMISOM staff and attacks that threaten the safety of civilians and international staff, and the forced recruitment of children. We endorse an appeal for full respect for international humanitarian law, human rights and the rights of refugees by all actors in the conflict. We also call for respect for resolution 1738 (2006) on the protection of the media reporters and associated personnel, and for resolution 1502 (2003) on the protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. Similarly, we reaffirm the importance of combating impunity through the most appropriate mechanisms, be they at the national or international level. We firmly believe that only through a comprehensive approach to the conflict will it be possible to achieve conditions that will allow for peace in Somalia, the end of the generalized violence and the return of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes. On that premise we must conceive any effort to combat the phenomenon of piracy, armed robbery and acts of violence against the safety of navigation in the Gulf of Aden, as well as the need for those responsible for those acts to be tried in accordance with the applicable legal regime. We support the work of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, established in accordance with resolution 1851 (2008), and we recognize the importance of multinational operations along the coast to combat piracy. That continues to be an essential element for guaranteeing the entry of humanitarian assistance to the population. Mexico, as Chair of the sanctions Committee on Somalia, is convinced that the sanctions regime has had a direct impact on security conditions in the country and has strengthened the peace process. We have paid particular attention to the work of the Committee’s Monitoring Group with regard to investigations on the illicit flow of arms from Eritrea in support of insurgents. Similarly, in the coming days, within the framework of resolution 1844 (2008), the committee will be in a position to consider a first draft of the list of individuals and entities that are acting against peace and security in the country and that may be subject to sanctions such as travel restrictions and assets freezes. We urge the countries of the region and the international community as a whole to cooperate with the committee’s efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of arms to armed groups in Somalia. Only through a coordinated regional approach will it be possible to establish the minimum conditions required for generating the stability so needed in that country.

We thank Under- Secretaries-General Malcorra and Pascoe, as well as the Permanent Representative of Somalia, for their presentations. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for taking the initiative to convene this important and timely meeting. The Horn of Africa is once again at a critical juncture. The future of Somalia proper and of peace and stability in the region as a whole rests in the balance. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and all civilians in Somalia today are together faced with an extremist armed threat that is determined to remove any remnant of stability, normalcy and prosperity and to remodel this already wartorn country in its own narrow mindset. At this delicate time, it is crucial for the Security Council to keep abreast of developments and apply pressure in order to help ensure that peace and stability in this fragile region are restored. In this context, I would like to underscore that all the elements contained in the Council’s presidential statement of 18 May 2009 (S/PRST/2009/15) are equally valid and relevant today and have the full support of Turkey. While important progress has been made in the implementation of the Djibouti peace process over the past six months, the TFG is still faced with an existential challenge. Moreover, to a large degree the conflict has lost its Somali identity, as outside forces are taking the lead in efforts to destabilize the country. It is clear that the extremist armed groups and foreign elements that are targeting both the TFG and AMISOM are aiming essentially to undermine the reconciliation process and bring about the collapse of the TFG and the Djibouti peace process. This cannot be allowed to happen. AMISOM has a pivotal role to play in the days and months ahead. Turkey welcomes the ongoing commitment of the African Union (AU) to AMISOM, and we applaud those nations that contribute to AMISOM for their valour. Turkey believes that once it reaches its authorized strength, AMISOM will be able to help turn the tide and assist the TFG in expanding the areas it controls. In this context, it will be important for those nations that have expressed their intention to provide troops to AMISOM to follow through on their promises and for the United Nations to keep providing its support, as outlined in Security Council resolution 1872 (2009). Turkey attributes great importance to the calls made by the African Union and other regional organizations with regard to Somalia. The statements and decisions issued at the 13th AU Summit in Sirte, Libya, have made the commitment of African leaders to Somalia abundantly clear, and that is crucial. Ultimately, while international support is crucial and must continue unabated, the comprehensive solution to the conflict in Somalia must be an African one, with the AU as its main pillar. In moving forward, the effective implementation of the arms embargo on Somalia and preventing the entry of foreign elements into Somalia are clearly an urgent priority. If Somalia is to cease being a source of instability for the Horn of Africa, all regional actors need to become a part of the solution and not the problem. On the other hand, while evaluating possible options on how to develop a pragmatic and concrete framework for further helping Somalia, Turkey believes that a results-oriented approach that takes into consideration past experiences with regard to this country and the region will be the most effective one. The Transitional Federal Government has and will continue to enjoy the full support of Turkey as the only legitimate authority in Somalia. We recently contributed to the United Nations Trust Fund for Somalia and stand ready to train AMISOM troops in Turkey. We are also in the process of evaluating how we can help train Somali national forces. On the other hand, the scourge of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia continues to be a serious threat to international maritime safety, in particular to seafarers and international trade, as well as to the security and prosperity of the countries in the region. Suffering from this scourge, Turkey deplores and condemns these illegal acts and continues to contribute to counter-piracy efforts at sea with two frigates deployed in the region through Combined Task Force 151 and Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. Turkey also fully supports the work of the Contact Group on Somali Piracy, which was established pursuant to resolution 1851 (2008). Yet, we fully recognize that a lasting solution to the problem can be found only if anti-piracy efforts are supported and complemented by concrete policies and measures that will contribute to the establishment of law and order in Somalia, as well as to sustained economic development in the region. Needless to say, as in the past, our significant commitment to Somalia will continue.

We thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe and Under-Secretary-General Malcorra for their briefings on the situation in Somalia. That situation continues to be unstable. The recent increase in bloodshed in Mogadishu and the continued attacks by radical Islamists against the Somali army and police forces and the peacekeepers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) constitute yet another alarming wake-up call regarding the situation not only in Somalia, but throughout the region. Russia resolutely advocates achieving sustained peace and national reconciliation in Somalia on the basis of the Djibouti Agreement and in the interest of strengthening regional stability. We support the efforts of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and of the Transitional Federal Government. Clearly, it is only joint efforts on the part of all constructive political forces in Somalia that will consolidate society and restore State authority and lasting peace. Intensifying international efforts and working to achieve a Somali settlement, together with humanitarian assistance, are crucial at this stage. In that regard, we note the practical steps undertaken by the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union to build the capacities of the Somali Government both in the area of security and in terms of strengthening federal authority. AMISOM is playing an important role in stabilizing the situation in the country, strengthening the national security sector and advancing the political process. The logistical support package and other assistance to AMISOM from the United Nations, in accordance with resolution 1872 (2009), continue to be important. We commend the contribution made to a Somali settlement by Uganda and Burundi, which are troop contributors to AMISOM. We call upon all States, in particular the States of the region, to pursue sound policies aimed at assisting the peace process in Somalia. We believe it is essential that States comply fully with the established arms embargo. We advocate the prompt launching of the sanctions regime against individuals and entities, in accordance with resolution 1844 (2008). Piracy off the coast of Somalia remains a serious destabilizing factor in the subregion. There is also a growing risk that it will spread to other vulnerable areas off the African coast. We believe that we need to continue to provide the Somali authorities with comprehensive assistance to counter that scourge. The key to overcoming the dangerous trends in the area is to remedy the situation in Somalia itself. Of equal importance are efforts to provide naval escorts for vessels and to destroy the piracy infrastructure, particularly its financial component. Russia is taking an active part in that collective effort. Military measures to prevent the piracy attacks will not alone produce the desired results. There is also a need for preventive efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, and the Russian Federation sees this as key in the anti-piracy strategy. Here, both short- and long- term measures are required. We believe that, in addition to building the criminal justice capacities of the State and the subregion, we need to consider the establishment of international mechanisms for prosecuting persons involved in piracy and armed robbery at sea.

The Chinese delegation wishes to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this public debate on the situation in Somalia. We would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe and Under- Secretary-General Susana Malcorra for their briefings on the most recent developments in that country and for their related work in the Secretariat. We welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Somalia and the Permanent Observer of the African Union and thank them for participating in today’s meeting. China is following very closely the serious situation in Somalia and in the Horn of Africa. The protracted problems in Somalia have caused serious difficulties for the country’s people, pose a serious threat to the situation in the Horn of Africa region and have now become a serious challenge for the international community. Stabilizing the situation in Somalia as soon as possible and achieving peace and stability in the country would not only meet the expectations of the people of Somalia but also serve the common interests of the Horn of Africa region and of the international community at large. In addressing the situation in Somalia, the top priority is to stabilize the security situation in the country. We condemn the recent armed attacks against the Transitional Federation Government and against Somali civilians. We urge all parties in Somalia to observe a ceasefire throughout the national territory as soon as possible and to seek a political settlement to their disputes. We support the early establishment of robust security forces in Somalia and call upon the international community to provide support in that regard. We commend the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its important contribution to stabilizing the situation under very precarious circumstances. We call on the United Nations to intensify its efforts to implement the support package for AMISOM. The key to achieving peace in Somalia is for all political parties in the country to forge a consensus for peace. Only when a genuine political foundation for peace is laid in Somalia will the international community’s external assistance truly be able to play an effective role. At this time, it must be pointed out in particular that all parties in Somalia must reach a consensus regarding the urgency of resolving the Somali issue. The countries in the Horn of Africa must be fully aware that they are all in the same boat regarding the question of Somalia, that a win-win situation can be achieved only through peace and that fighting can only be disastrous for all. We sincerely hope that all countries in the Horn of Africa can make full use of their influence and do their utmost to promote negotiations to move the peace process forward in Somalia in order to make swift and substantive progress. China has always maintained that the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, should play a more active role on the question of Somalia. We call on the Organization to intensify its efforts to fulfil its commitment to providing assistance to Somalia, the Somali Government and AMISOM. The Chinese Government has already provided AMISOM’s two major troop-contributing countries, Uganda and Burundi, with 5 million renminbi each in logistical assistance. In addition, it will soon provide the African Union with another $400,000 in cash for assistance to support AMISOM.

I should like at the outset to thank Under-Secretaries-General Lynn Pascoe and Susana Malcorra for their presentations, as well as our colleague the Permanent Representative of Somalia. Two months ago almost to the day, the insurgents of Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam rejected the path of dialogue and launched a major offensive. This was and is aimed against the Transitional Federal Government, which has the support of the international community, and also against the positive political process that President Sherif is leading by calling upon all parties to join in the Djibouti process. The fighting goes on, as recalled by Under- Secretary-General Pascoe, with its violence and suffering. The cost of the attacks is high, and the victims always the same: women, children and other vulnerable people. Two hundred thousand more people have had to leave Mogadishu — and some families had just recently returned. These latest victims are added to the 2 million people who are surviving in makeshift shelters and the more than 3 million who already rely on international assistance. The conditions in which the humanitarian workers are operating have worsened even further. It must be recalled that last year more than 30 of them were killed. The same is true for journalists, who often give their lives to carry out their profession. The number of refugees in neighbouring countries is growing, in particular in Kenya, where the sites hosting them are overwhelmed. France joins the international community in firmly condemning the attacks and the violence. We note with the greatest concern reports indicating that the insurgents are benefiting from reinforcements of extremist foreign fighters and the support of foreign Governments, specifically Eritrea, in the form of weapons, which is in violation of the arms embargo imposed by the Council. France carefully noted the decisions taken at the African Union summit in Sirte and is prepared to continue to follow the path of sanctions against all those who jeopardize the Djibouti Agreements. In that respect, we look forward to the report the Security Council has requested from the Monitoring Group. As I cited the Djibouti Agreement, let me also underscore the very positive role played by Djibouti in dealing with crisis in Somalia, despite the challenges that country has faced since the June 2008 military attack against it by Eritrea. The Transitional Federal Government is under attack, but it is resisting those continued attacks. The international community must continue to provide full political support and strengthen its technical and material assistance. The training of Somali security forces is key to building the country’s military capacity. For that reason France, as it pledged at the Brussels conference, will begin to train 500 Somalis this month in Djibouti. European Union ministers meeting in Brussels have begun to consider how the Union could combine our initiative with a possible training mission under the European Security and Defence Policy. Here, we wish to highlight the courage of AMISOM’s troops, in particular those from Uganda and Burundi, who are resolutely providing support to the Transitional Federal Government. We pay tribute to them at a time when they are regularly targeted by the insurgents. The international community must provide firm support for the African force. In Sirte, the African Union decided to strengthen the number of troops deployed on the ground in order to reach the mandated goal of 8,000 troops requested by the Somali Government. We are pleased by and welcome that commitment. France has contributed to the training of four contingents for AMISOM. The European Union, which is the leading contributor to the United Nations budget and the leading financial partner of the African Union, including through the Peace Facility for Africa, provides resolute support to AMISOM. Here, I would endorse the statement that the Permanent Representative of Sweden will make shortly on behalf of the European Union. The United Nations too has an important role to play to facilitate strengthening AMISOM. I thank Ms. Malcorra for her information on the United Nations logistical support package. More than ever before, we need to respond rapidly and in concrete ways to the most urgent operational needs of the African forces. All of this makes action to fight piracy off the Somali coast even more necessary. Since the initial operations to protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels launched by France in November 2007, the fight against piracy has grown in scope. The European Union, in launching Operation Atalanta, is playing a very active role in fighting piracy, protecting vulnerable shipping and providing security for the increasingly significant international aid shipments on which millions of Somalis depend. The money spent to keep the European Union naval forces afloat permits the transport of that aid. Those efforts are far from useless; here I would point out that WFP food shipments have quadrupled from 2007 to 2008. Those efforts must continue. Just yesterday a Turkish ship was attacked by pirates off the Somali coast. It must be remembered that in the past two years French forces have arrested more than 200 pirates in the course of more than 80 maritime operations. For that reason, the European Union has extended the mandate of Operation Atalanta for one more year and is considering a full range of measures that will make it possible to take better account of the various dimensions of counter-piracy operations on the sea and on land. Here I stress the particular importance of capacity-building for States of the region so that they can try and imprison pirates who have been arrested. United Nations support will be crucial. Because of the gravity of the situation, it is reasonable to give priority in this debate to short-term measures, while bearing in mind more long-term measures such as the fight against impunity, because the culture of impunity that prevails today in Somalia is a major hurdle to peace. There is also a need, once the situation allows, to resume political dialogue, without which there will be no lasting peace in Somalia. In that regard, let me commend the role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, and assure him of France’s full support. In conclusion, I would like to state my delegation’s support for the draft presidential statement prepared by the United Kingdom, for which I express my thanks.

Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Pascoe and Under-Secretary-General Malcorra for their briefings. I would also like to thank Ambassador Duale for his statement and to recognize the presence among us of the Permanent Observer of the African Union. Once again the Council is meeting to review the situation in Somalia. The present situation calls for action by the international community to back up decisions already taken to support a Government that is arduously working to build a viable State in Somalia. The cost of inaction would be anarchy imposed by those who lack any defined political agenda and who are prepared to attack regional stability and jeopardize international peace and security. The Government of Somalia requires cooperation from all parties of Somali society who are committed to national reconciliation, along with the support of the international community, so that it can be the natural partner in inclusive negotiations within the Djibouti peace process. In particular, we recognize the decisive work of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, who is committed to making progress in this political process. The strategy to overcome the crisis in Somalia must be led by the Somalis themselves. National ownership of the process is in this case an absolute imperative. The role of the international community is to support and strengthen the capacity of the Government to demonstrate the advantages of peace and to take advantage of secure spaces in order to lay the foundation for sustainable reconstruction and development. Costa Rica reaffirms its support for the Secretary- General’s political strategy for Somalia, as well as his three-phase approach to meet the security challenges of the country. We are pleased to note the decision to make move forward in this area, in particular the announcement that, in the very near future, we may see an initial United Nations presence in Mogadishu. It is now a question of strengthening the Somali security institutions as well as AMISOM. These are critical elements for the achievement of stability in Somalia. In this regard, we call for prompt fulfilment of the commitments made at the Brussels donors conference and of other pledges to the United Nations trust fund. With regard to transparency and the achievement of objectives, we welcome the progress reported on the memorandum of understanding requested in resolution 1863 (2009). Costa Rica also recognizes the contributions to AMISOM made by the Governments of Burundi and Uganda and welcomes the recent decision of the African Union to raise the military and police components of the Mission to the troop levels provided for in its mandate. The worsening humanitarian situation in Somalia is a matter of concern to Costa Rica. We condemn the attacks against the civilian population and obstacles to free access for humanitarian assistance. In this regard, the fight against piracy has yielded praiseworthy benefits in terms of access for such humanitarian assistance. I would conclude by reminding all parties of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law and by stressing that combating impunity is a priority for peace and reconciliation in Somalia.

Let me first thank Under-Secretaries-General Pascoe and Malcorra for their briefings today. Let me also add that we highly welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Somalia and the Permanent Observer of the African Union. Austria aligns itself with the statement that the representative of Sweden will deliver in the course of this debate on behalf of the presidency of the European Union. Austria fully supports the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). In the first half of this year, important progress in the Djibouti peace process has been achieved. However, the security situation has deteriorated considerably since then. While the focus of our efforts needs to be on stabilizing the situation, it is also important that efforts continue at reaching out to opposition groups which are not part of the Djibouti process. The Djibouti Agreement constitutes the only viable and legitimate framework for achieving lasting peace in Somalia. We therefore urge all parties in Somalia to join this process and its structures and, by doing so, to contribute to the stabilization and development of the country. A renegotiation of the Djibouti Agreement cannot be an option. Austria condemns the attempts of extremists to overthrow the TFG. We are deeply worried by reports about foreign support to the insurgency. We also note the deep concern expressed by the heads of State or Government of the African Union during their recent summit in Sirte concerning arms supplies to insurgent groups in Somalia. As others have already said, we will have more information on this issue when the Monitoring Group of the Somali sanctions Committee reports to the Security Council at the end of this month. That report will give us a very important opportunity to further discuss this issue as well as to discuss possible action by the Council. With reference to the comments made by the Permanent Representative of Somalia about the presence of foreign fighters in his country, let me add that substantiated information on this issue may also be of interest to the Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). Those who suffer most in the situation are civilians, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially women and children, who are the most vulnerable. We have seen a surge in the number of IDPs in the past two months. More than 200,000 people have fled Mogadishu alone, increasing the number of IDPs in the country, as others have already noted, to over 1.2 million. We are deeply concerned by their catastrophic humanitarian and human rights situation. Extrajudicial and arbitrary executions, arrests and torture, as practiced by Al-Shabaab, must stop immediately. We also call on all parties to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid for those in need and to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel in Somalia. We condemn recent attacks on aid organizations. We pay tribute to humanitarian workers, who continue to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid in this very difficult environment. We applaud the establishment of the Justice and Reconciliation Working Group as a vehicle to addressing impunity for human rights violations in Somalia. We encourage the parties represented in the Working Group to work closely together to address this problem vigorously. We express our deep appreciation to the African Union, and to Uganda and Burundi as AMISOM troop- contributors, for the efforts and risks they are taking to improve the situation in and around Mogadishu. Austria also strongly supports the United Nations logistics support package for AMISOM. Moreover, Austria stressed the need for close cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and donors, such as the European Union, in addressing the most pressing needs of Somalia and the wider region of the Horn of Africa. Concerning the scourge of piracy, we attach high importance to addressing its root causes and ensuring accountability. Operation Atalanta, the European Union mission to fight piracy, is undoubtedly the most visible and most recent contribution of the European Union in Somalia. Of course, it is not the only one. The European Union’s contribution in the form of humanitarian aid and development programmes is also considerable. Like all other members of the European Union, Austria attaches high importance to support for the Somali security sector and AMISOM, thus contributing to a climate conducive to achieving peace and development.

I would like to begin by expressing appreciation to Mr. Pascoe and Ms. Malcorra for their briefings. I would also like to welcome the presentation made by Ambassador Duale this morning. The situation in Somalia calls for an urgent response by the Security Council, so Japan commends you, Mr. President, for holding this timely debate. Japan shares the serious concern over the worsening security situation in Somalia. We condemn the attacks by rebel groups against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), which have been intensifying since early May. As the security situation deteriorates, the humanitarian situation also worsens, with growing numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons, as Mr. Pascoe reported. In order to respond effectively to the security situation, we should make an urgent effort to strengthen, first of all, the Somali security institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The pledges made at the donors conference in Brussels need to be disbursed in an expeditious manner. As a part of its pledges, Japan will soon disburse $9 million to the trust fund in support of AMISOM. AMISOM plays an indispensable role in support of the TFG. We sincerely appreciate the troop contributions made to date by Burundi and Uganda, and we thank other countries that are actively considering providing troops. We commend the African Union for its decision to extend the mandate of AMISOM until 31 January 2010. Japan believes it is essential to make the utmost effort to increase AMISOM troop levels to the full strength of 8,000, as requested by the Secretary- General. To realize this target, speedy implementation of the United Nations logistics support package is vitally important. We commend the work done by the Department of Field Support. We fully support those efforts. The instability in Somalia is caused by internal as well as external factors and affects stability in the region as a whole. It is essential and urgent to cut off external military and economic assistance to the rebel groups. The countries in the region need to come together to assist the TFG. Japan is closely following the ongoing discussion among the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union member States, including at the recent summit in Sirte, on strengthened measures to support Somalia. The international community must enhance its support to the TFG, including through diplomatic efforts. It is our belief that, before any action is taken, the full implications and effectiveness thereof must be carefully considered. Japan is ready to take active part in the discussion in the Council on the way forward. The top priority is to address and improve the worsening security situation in central and southern Somalia. Humanitarian and reconstruction needs must be met in parallel. The importance of speedy disbursement of earlier pledges cannot be overemphasized in this context. Anti-piracy measures are another high priority, which are closely related to the security situation on land. Longer-term solutions will require restoring stability and governance inside Somalia. Meanwhile, international cooperation is essential to protect one of the most important transport routes. Japan, for its part, has sent two destroyers and two P-3C maritime patrol aircraft to the Gulf of Aden as part of the anti-piracy measures. We also enacted a new Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy. We extend support to the piracy-related centres in the region and for a training and job creation programme for young people, who may be potential candidates for future pirates. Japan will chair the next plenary meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia in September at Headquarters in New York. We hope that the coordinated efforts of the international community will have a positive influence on the security situation on land. It is important to provide the Somali people with the tangible benefits of the assistance of the international community and to create the necessary conditions for them to achieve stability in the country.

Let me begin by joining others in thanking the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Pascoe, and the Under-Secretary- General for Field Support, Ms. Malcorra, for providing us with an update on the political and security situation in Somalia as well as on the steps taken to strengthen its security institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). We are also thankful for the remarks of the Permanent Representative of Somalia, and we welcome the Permanent Observer of the African Union, whose statement we are looking forward to hearing. Croatia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Allow me now to make some short remarks in my national capacity. Croatia is encouraged by the progress that has been made on the political track, particularly the actions of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), towards a more inclusive political process and genuine national reconciliation. We commend such determination and firmly believe it warrants the unrelenting and concrete support of the international community. We reiterate our full support for the Transitional Federal Government and President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Their hard-won political gains must be preserved and further built upon. That being said, we add our voice to the calls for all Somali stakeholders to opt for dialogue and join the Djibouti peace process, which continues to be the best option for lasting peace in Somalia. We strongly condemn all attempts to halt the current political momentum, destabilize the transitional federal institutions and undermine the Djibouti peace process. The armed insurgency by hardliners thus continues to be of utmost concern. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and deplore the toll that the insurgent attacks have had on both the civilian population and the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. In the light of that, we urge all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and to respect human rights. Croatia is also alarmed and extremely concerned about reports of foreign or outside interference with regard to insurgent attacks and other violence taking place in Somalia, in particular reports concerning support to insurgents being provided by neighbouring countries, namely Eritrea, and the destabilizing potential of such actions in the whole region. We would like to recall the obligations that all States Members of the United Nations have with regard to respecting the resolutions and decisions adopted by the Security Council and also to reiterate that the Council already has at its disposal tools for dealing with all inside and outside spoilers of the peace process. In that light, we particularly look forward to the forthcoming report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia. Croatia greatly appreciates the unerring efforts of AMISOM, whose troops are operating in an extremely difficult environment. While echoing the calls to strengthen its capacities, we commend the troop- contributing countries, in particular Uganda and Burundi, and we hope that others will follow suit in fulfilling their pledges. We welcome the pledges made at the international conference in support of Somalia’s security institutions and AMISOM held in Brussels on 23 April. We hope today that the materialization has already begun and that it will continue at a fast pace. We also appreciate all other efforts and initiatives aimed at improving the capacity of Somalia’s security sector, especially as an accountable and capable security and police force represents the backbone of efforts to achieve stability in the country. It also enables the United Nations to further its involvement and assist Somalia to the best of its abilities. That being said, we are pleased to hear about the possibility of establishing a light United Nations presence in Mogadishu in the near future, as stated by Under-Secretary-General Malcorra during her briefing. We are also pleased to hear about the implementation of the support package by the United Nations. Concerning piracy, we support the work that has thus far been done to tackle the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia, including, in particular but not exclusively, Operation Atalanta. We are aware of the need for the continuation of the efforts to ensure the safety of maritime routes. My delegation would especially like to express its full appreciation to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mr. Ould Abdallah, for his relentless efforts and valuable contribution in promoting dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia. Finally, I would also like to express our support for the draft presidential statement that we are about to adopt.

Let me thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe and Ms. Susana Malcorra for the briefings they just gave us. I would also commend the participation in this debate of our colleague from Somalia. Burkina Faso is very concerned over the current situation in Somalia, which is marked by a very serious deterioration in terms of security, particularly in Mogadishu, as a result of the clashes between illegal armed groups and Government troops, and this despite for the calls for calm and restraint issued by the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. Attributed to the militia of the Al-Shabaab movement, assisted by foreign fighters, these attacks have caused many victims, particularly among the civilian population. Political officials, including the Minister of the Interior, have been assassinated. The magnitude of the attacks and the intensity of the fighting corroborate the thesis of the involvement of the foreign forces that support the insurgents in terms of weapons, fighters and logistics. All of that once again confirms the fact that the settlement of the Somali crisis will depend to a great extent on the position of its neighbours. That is why it is absolutely indispensable that all States of the region, without exception, fully comply with the arms embargo and refrain from provided military, logistical or any other kind of support to the illegal militias active in Somalia. Given the seriousness of these events, the African Union Peace and Security Council, in its communiqué of 15 June 2009, reiterated its deep concern over the growing presence of foreign elements in Mogadishu and in other parts of Somalia and therefore urged the Security Council to impose sanctions against those individuals or States who oppose the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia. That recommendation was ratified in a decision adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held from 1 to 3 July 2009, which called on the Security Council “in accordance with the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, to take the necessary immediate steps ... to prevent the entry of foreign combatants into Somalia, as well as to impose sanctions against any foreign actor, whether in the region or outside it, in particular Eritrea, which is providing support for armed groups involved in destabilizing activities in Somalia”. My country, which recognizes as legitimate only the Transitional Federal Government, certainly supports that decision. We therefore call on the Security Council to take full note of it. I would also like to call on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) to speed up its work, in cooperation with the office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to establish a list of individuals opposed to the peace process in Somalia. We must also note that peace is receding daily in Somalia. The responses to date appear to have served merely as stop-gap measures. Without minimizing the difficulties such an endeavour would entail, it seems that deploying a United Nations peacekeeping operation to join AMISOM would be the last recourse. In the meanwhile, it seems to us that the current situation calls for two different steps, namely, the provision of direct emergency assistance to Somalia to help it to re-establish security in Mogadishu and throughout the rest of the country, and the speeding of the deployment of the United Nations support package for AMISOM. We would like to thank Uganda and Burundi for the commendable efforts they continue to make. Given the seriousness of the situation, we call on African countries that have already promised troops for AMISOM to honour their commitments as soon as possible in order to be able to strengthen the Mission. With regard to the political situation, we reiterate our commitment to the implementation of the Djibouti Agreement, which we believe to be the sole framework for a resolution to the Somali crisis. The efforts already made as part of that framework are encouraging and merit ongoing support, in particular in order to bring all political factions into the political process. Burkina Faso also encourages the new Somali leaders to continue their policy of openness in order to strengthen the trust of partners. With regard to the human rights situation, it undoubtedly continues to be a source of concern, given the ongoing occurrence of assassination attempts and attacks against Somali leaders and civilians alike. AMISOM troops and humanitarian personnel are not immune from threats and attacks, either. We condemn all violence against them and call on the Security Council to take the necessary steps to ensure their protection. We appreciate the efforts made by the Secretariat to help Somalia. In particular, we commend the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, who despite the huge difficulties continues to display unrelenting determination and commitment to peace in Somalia. We have no doubt that a stable and prosperous Somalia will one day emerge, so long as there is ongoing support from the international community, continued commitment on the part of all Somali stakeholders and the support of the States of the region. Lastly, we support the draft presidential statement that has been submitted by the delegation of the United Kingdom.

At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ms. Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, for their insightful briefings. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Somalia for his statement. My delegation also welcomes the participation of the Permanent Observer of the African Union at this meeting. Taking stock of the gravity and complexity of the current situation in Somalia, my delegation remains deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in and around Mogadishu, as reflected by intensified attacks by insurgent groups, most notably Al-Shabaab and Hizb al-Aslam, against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Those armed attacks have led to the deaths and injuries of many peacekeepers and civilians. We are also gravely concerned about the extremely alarming humanitarian situation, with over 1 million people internally displaced and more than 3 million on the verge of starvation. Given the suffering that is being visited upon the civilian population and the continuing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the country, there is obviously an urgent need for immediate and vigorous international support for the TFG’s endeavours to repel the onslaught of extremist forces, which are intent on destroying the Djibouti peace process and spoiling the efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia through political reconciliation. Member States of the United Nations are urged to fulfil the pledges they made in Brussels last April to provide the TFG with adequate assistance, in particular much- needed funds and assistance to rebuild Somalia’s security institutions and to train its security forces. Viet Nam supports the TFG’s call for the mobilization of additional troops for AMISOM in order to enable it to withstand insurgent attacks. We highly appreciate the efforts made by the Governments of Uganda and Burundi in contributing to the maintenance of the security in Mogadishu. In that connection, we welcome the pledges made by the Governments of Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana and other African Union countries to contribute troops to AMISOM. We hope that those precious commitments will be realized in a timely and fruitful way. For its part, the Security Council has decided to provide logistical support to AMISOM. We are encouraged that, on 25 June, the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly approved that decision in the amount of over $138 million. We see reasons for hope coming from the common interest and concerted efforts of the Security Council in the current situation in Somalia. Further deterioration in Somalia, with Al-Shabaab fighters and fighters linked to Al-Qaida controlling much of the southern and central parts of the country, would have regional implications and could escalate the conflict. More dangerously, it could run the risk of turning the region into a safe haven for international terrorists. We must work together to prevent the spread of that danger, end the scourge of violence and advance the cause of peace and stability. For that effort to succeed, it is necessary to work for closer cooperation and a more effective partnership among the United Nations Political Office for Somalia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the League of Arab States to address the challenges that confront Somalia and to bring about lasting peace and security in the region. The United Nations should continue to be a strong partner in that endeavour.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Uganda. I wish to thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ms. Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, for their briefings this morning. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Somalia, Mr. Elmi Ahmed Duale, for his statement. I welcome the participation in this debate of the Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU) and of the Permanent Representative of Sweden, representing the presidency of the European Union. The Security Council has spent a great deal of time discussing the situation in Somalia. In the past six months alone, the Council has adopted two resolutions — resolutions 1863 (2009) and 1872 (2009) — and has issued one presidential statement — S/PRST/2009/15 — and four statements to the press. In spite of the attention paid to the situation in Somalia, the conflict in the country continues to destroy lives and to have a negative impact on the whole region. The situation also continues to disrupt international trade, through piracy, and poses a threat to international peace and security. The Djibouti peace process represents the best opportunity to achieve lasting peace in Somalia. We commend the efforts made by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to advance the political process in the country. At the same time, we are concerned about the fact that, despite the efforts at reconciliation made by President Ahmed’s Government, there are still some elements within and outside Somalia that are bent on taking the path of violence. Uganda condemns the attacks on the TFG, the civilian population and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) by violent opposition groups and foreign elements, in an attempt to undermine the political process and reconciliation efforts. Uganda welcomes the support given to ease the humanitarian situation in the country and the support extended to the TFG and to AMISOM. We call upon the United Nations and other partners to expedite the support necessary to enable AMISOM effectively to implement its mandate. We also call upon AU member States to provide the personnel required to enable AMISOM to reach its authorized capacity of 8,000 troops. As provided for in Security Council resolution 1863 (2009), the presence of AMISOM in Somalia is a transitional step towards the envisaged United Nations peacekeeping operation. Therefore, the Security Council should continue to make the necessary preparations for the eventual rehatting of AMISOM. The African Union Assembly, meeting in Sirte, Libya, a few days ago, called upon the Security Council to take urgent measures to address the grave situation in Somalia. Uganda calls upon the Security Council to respond accordingly. Finally, we thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for the draft presidential statement, which Uganda supports. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Mrs. Lila Ratsifandrihamanana, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations.

I am pleased, Sir, to see you presiding over the Security Council. We are sincerely grateful to you for initiative in convening this debate on the situation in Somalia. I also thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe and Ms. Susana Malcorra for their very thorough and authoritative briefings. I pay tribute to their respective departments for their activities and for their efforts with respect to Somalia. Having just returned from African Union summit, which on 3 July completed its work in Sirte, Libya, I am duty-bound to describe some of the African Union’s recent action on Somalia as well as the related decision adopted by African heads of State or Government. Our thanks go to the Permanent Representative of Somalia for his statement; through him, we express our appreciation for the significant progress achieved by President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and his Government. In that regard, I would mention the rebuilding of State institutions, the restoration of revenue collection mechanisms, the reorganization of the security forces, capacity-building and efforts aimed at bringing clan and religious leaders into the peace process. But, as we know, intensified attacks by insurgents since the beginning of May have unfortunately hampered and jeopardized those considerable achievements. Clashes have led to heavy loss of civilian lives and have resulted in an estimated 200,000 or more displacements, as Under-Secretary-General Pascoe stated this morning. As all Council members have noted, the situation remains extremely fragile. However, thanks to the continued support of the international community for the Government and the people of Somalia, the Djibouti peace process has held. Members will recall that, on 22 May 2009, in support of the recommendations of the Council of Ministers of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union requested that the United Nations Security Council impose sanctions against all foreign elements providing support for armed groups responsible for destabilization in Somalia. That request has the support of the International Contact Group on Somalia and was reiterated at the Sirte summit. As noted by Under-Secretary-General Malcorra, the present military force of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Mogadishu stands at 4,274 troops, comprising three battalions from Uganda and two from Burundi. But AMISOM still lacks four of the nine battalions it needs, along with maritime and air components. The present AMISOM police force consists of a team of six police officers and 89 trainers, advisers and mentors for deployment to Mogadishu in the coming weeks to begin the crucial task of training 10,000 members of all Somali police forces, in accordance with the Djibouti Agreement. As part of the troop-generation effort, the African Union Commission has called upon Member States and other partners to bring about the rapid deployment of a battalion from Sierra Leone and one from Malawi. Work is also under way to make it possible to deploy a third battalion from Burundi and to begin the relocation of AMISOM’s civilian headquarters from Nairobi to Mogadishu. We are particularly grateful to the United Nations for establishing a special trust fund; the first phase has been approved by the General Assembly, amounting to $71.6 million. A memorandum of understanding defining the modalities for implementing the support package is being finalized by the Secretariat and the African Union Commission. However, in addition to the special trust fund and to the African Peace Facility established by the European Union and made available to the African Union, in addition to all of these considerable efforts, we believe that AMISOM, which was duly authorized by the Security Council, deserves continuous financing through regular contributions from United Nations Member States. (spoke in English) In its decision adopted during its just-completed 13th session, the Assembly of the African Union welcomed the significant progress made in the political process in Somalia and urged all Somali stakeholders yet to commit to the dialogue to do so and join the peace process. The Assembly strongly condemned the recent attacks on the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and the civilian population by armed groups and foreign elements bent on undermining the reconciliation process and regional stability, and demanded that they put an end to such attacks, which are tantamount to attempts at an unconstitutional change of government. The African Union (AU) Assembly further expressed its full support for the TFG as the legitimate authority in Somalia and urged the countries of the region, other AU member States and the international community as a whole to provide all the necessary support to the TFG to enable it to face up to the situation. The AU Assembly appealed to AU member States to provide the necessary military and police personnel to enable AMISOM to reach its authorized strength. It paid tribute to the troop-contributing countries, namely Burundi and Uganda, and further expressed gratitude to all the member States and partners providing support to AMISOM. The Assembly called on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate measures, including the imposition of a no-fly zone — as already pointed out by a number of members of the Council — and a blockade of seaports to prevent the entry into Somalia of foreign elements and of flights and shipments carrying weapons and ammunition to armed groups inside Somalia. It also called on the Council to impose sanctions against all those foreign actors, especially Eritrea, providing support to the armed groups engaged in destabilization activities in Somalia and in attacks against the TFG, the civilian population and AMISOM. I would also like to stress the need for the Security Council to take rapid action accordingly. Also, since the question of ransom to terrorists was raised here by the Permanent Representative of the United States, I am pleased to share with this Council that the Assembly of the African Union took the important decision to combat the payment of ransom to terrorist groups. By this decision, the AU Assembly requested the Council to adopt a restrictive resolution against the payment of ransom in order to consolidate the provisions put in place by resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1267 (1999). Because AMISOM can only do so much, I should like at this juncture to renew the call for its takeover by the United Nations, in accordance with the express wish of the Somalis, as contained in the Djibouti Agreement, in order to achieve an accelerated end to the ongoing hostilities. We all have a duty to bring an end to this tragedy in Somalia.

I now give the floor to the representative of Sweden.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Armenia, align themselves with this statement. The main challenge facing the Somali Government and the international community is to maintain the political momentum that started a few months ago. That momentum is now being sabotaged by hard-line insurgents, who deliberately seek to undermine a political solution by targeting the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Djibouti peace process. The European Union strongly condemns the recent killings of the Minister of Security, the police chief in Mogadishu, a member of the parliament and the attacks against civilians in south and central Somalia. The European Union calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities to avoid further civilian casualties and deplores the humanitarian consequences of recent attacks. Some 200,000 people have been forced to leave Mogadishu in recent weeks, adding to the 1 million previously displaced. We urge all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, respect human rights and protect the civilian population. The European Union welcomes the efforts of the African Union to bring urgent attention to the situation in Somalia and to consider options for reversing the trends of recent months. We take due note of the message of the African Union in Sirte in this regard. The European Union strongly calls on all States to respect the United Nations arms embargo. Stabilization of the security environment is vital for building State institutions, for providing necessary humanitarian assistance and for resuming a path to development and political reconciliation. Once the security situation improves in Mogadishu and beyond, the Transitional Federal Government must resume its efforts to complete the Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic. We stress our support for the Transitional Federal Government under the leadership of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and welcome his efforts to consolidate the political process through a broad and inclusive dialogue. The European Union expresses its appreciation to the African Union and to the countries contributing troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in Mogadishu. The capabilities of AMISOM need further strengthening. Thus far, the European Union has committed a total of €40 million, in addition to bilateral contributions from its member States. Additional support is under consideration. The international conference on security in Somalia, held in Brussels on 22 and 23 April, expressed unanimous support for AMISOM and the efforts of the Transitional Federal Government to build inclusive and accountable national capacity in the security sector. The considerable pledges made by the European Union at the Brussels conference underline the importance we attach to this endeavour. There is now an urgent need to follow up. The pledges made by the international community must be implemented swiftly. The security sector should be committed to the rule of law, respect for human rights and the principle of good governance. Enhancing the capacity of the Somali security and police forces is vital to the stability of Somalia and to the State-building effort as such. Training is an essential element. The European Union is studying the option of providing assistance to this end, in addition to various bilateral activities and initiatives. We also recall our contributions to the international fight against piracy off the coasts of Somalia through Operation Atalanta. Legal measures must also be taken to prevent impunity for pirates in Somalia and elsewhere in the region. The Djibouti process remains our best hope for peace in Somalia. Intensified and urgent efforts are now needed to save the process from dissolving. We urge all parties in Somalia to join this effort. We also reaffirm our support for the International Contact Group, under the leadership of Special Representative Ahmedou Ould Abdallah. In parallel with addressing the current crisis, we must seek enhanced international coordination and a more comprehensive long-term strategy for supporting Somalia. Such an approach should link security and development in a coherent State-building effort. It should be based on Somali ownership and take into account the needs of the entire Somali territory. For its part, the European Union will consider options for enhanced engagement — including training, capacity-building and regional cooperation — ahead of the EU ministerial meeting later this month. The European Union stands ready to continue to support Somalia and its people.

After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council reiterates its previous resolutions and presidential statements on Somalia, in particular its resolution 1872 (2009), which reaffirmed the Djibouti Agreement as the basis for a resolution of the conflict in Somalia. “The Security Council reiterates its support for the Djibouti peace process outlined in the Transitional Federal Charter, which provides a framework for reaching a lasting political solution in Somalia. The Security Council reaffirms its support for the Transitional Federal Government as the legitimate authority in Somalia under the Transitional Federal Charter and notes the declaration on 22 June of a state of emergency as a result of the recent renewal in fighting led by Al-Shabaab and other violent opposition groups, which constitutes an attempt to remove that legitimate authority by force. The Security Council also reiterates its support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, for his efforts towards advancing the political process in Somalia. “The Security Council condemns the recent attacks on the Transitional Federal Government and the civilian population by armed groups and foreign fighters who undermine peace and stability in Somalia. The Security Council reaffirms its demand of 15 May 2009 that violent opposition groups immediately end their offensive, put down their arms, renounce violence and join reconciliation efforts. The Security Council condemns the flow of foreign fighters into Somalia. “The Security Council deplores the loss of life in Somalia and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, which has resulted in increased flows of refugees and internally displaced persons, threatening stability in the region. The Security Council calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular to respect the security of civilians, humanitarian workers and AMISOM personnel. “The Security Council reaffirms that Somalia’s long-term security rests with the effective development by the TFG of the National Security Force and the Somali Police Force, in the framework of the Djibouti Agreement and in line with a national security strategy, and urges the international community to support the Somali security institutions, including through training and equipping. “The Security Council commends the contribution of AMISOM to lasting peace and stability in Somalia, expresses its continued appreciation for the commitment of troops to AMISOM by the Governments of Uganda and Burundi, and condemns any hostilities towards AMISOM. In this context, the Security Council welcomes the decision by the African Union summit at Sirte on 3 July to increase AMISOM’s strength to its mandated troop levels and its call for AU member States to provide the necessary military and police personnel. “The Security Council takes note of the decision of the African Union summit in Sirte, calling on the Council to impose sanctions against those, including Eritrea, providing support to the armed groups engaged in undermining peace and reconciliation in Somalia and regional stability. The Security Council is deeply concerned in this regard and will consider expeditiously what action to take against any party undermining the Djibouti peace process, based on all available evidence, including that submitted to the Monitoring Group and the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 751 (1992).” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2009/19. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.