UN SECURITY COUNCIL, IN
STATEMENT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT IN SOMALIA, EXPRESSES CONCERN AT SITIUATION
NOV 15, 1999, M2 Communications - The text of
the presidential statement, which will be issued as document S/PRST/1999/31, reads, as
follows:
"The Security Council recalls the report of the
Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia dated 16 August 1999 (S/1999/882).
"The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to a
comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situations in Somalia, bearing in mind respect
for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and unity of
Somalia, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
"The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the
increasingly evident effects of the lack of a functioning central government in Somalia.
It regrets the fact that most children receive no health care and that two generations
have had no access to formal education. It is concerned that some Somali natural resources
are being exploited, mainly by foreigners, without regulation and monitoring. It expresses
its deep distress over reports that the absence of law and order in the country risks
creating a haven for criminals of all kinds.
"The Security Council welcomes the progress that has been
made in the development of a greater uniformity of approach on the part of the
international community in addressing the crisis in Somalia. It recognizes that the
Standing Committee on Somalia, created a year ago, has been instrumental in monitoring the
evolution of the Somali situation and working for a greater coordination of efforts by the
various external actors, in order to avoid contrasting influences and to give weight to
common actions. It calls for the strengthening of the coordination of these efforts aimed
at securing peace and stability in Somalia.
"The Security Council expresses its full support for the
efforts exerted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to find a
political solution to the crisis in Somalia. In this context, it welcomes the initiative
of the President of Djibouti aimed at restoring peace and stability in Somalia, which was
outlined in his letter of 23 September 1999 to the President of the Security Council
(S/1999/1007). It endorses the call made by the President of Djibouti to the warlords to
recognize fully and accept the principle that the Somali people are free to exercise their
democratic right to choose their own regional and national leaders. The Council looks
forward to the finalization of the proposals of the President of Djibouti at the
forthcoming IGAD Summit and stands ready to work with IGAD and the Standing Committee to
help bring about national unity and the restoration of a national government in Somalia.
It calls upon the leaders of the Somali factions and all others concerned to cooperate
constructively and in good faith in the efforts to resolve the crisis.
"The Security Council strongly calls upon all States to
observe and improve the effectiveness of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 733 (1992)
of 23 January 1992 and to refrain from any actions which might exacerbate the situation in
Somalia. It urges Member States having information about violations of the provisions of
resolution 733 (1992) to provide this information to the Committee created pursuant to
resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992, with a view to supporting the work of the
Committee.
"The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the
continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Somalia. It urges all States to
contribute generously to the appeals of the Untied Nations to ensure continued relief and
rehabilitation efforts in all regions of Somalia, including those aimed at the
strengthening of civil society. In this context, it encourages enhancement of the
operational capacity of humanitarian agencies in Somalia through donor support.
"The Security Council expresses its appreciation for all
United Nations agencies, other organizations and individuals carrying out humanitarian
activities in all regions of Somalia. It calls upon the Somali factions to ensure the
safety and freedom of movement of all humanitarian personnel and to facilitate the
delivery of humanitarian relief. In this context, it strongly condemns attacks and acts of
violence against and the murder of humanitarian workers in Somalia and reiterates its
position that those responsible for these acts should be brought to justice.
"The Security Council expresses its satisfaction that despite
all the difficulties, approximately half of Somali territory continues to enjoy relative
peace. In this context, it notes the beginning of provision of some basic services to the
people of Somalia by local administrations in some parts of the country.
"The Security Council welcomes the efforts of civil society
in Somalia. It is encouraged by the political initiatives of Somalis, through regional
conferences, often organized by traditional leaders and informal cross-clan contacts, to
find a peaceful solution to the crisis. In this context, it underlines the active role of
Somali women's groups.
"The Security Council welcomes the continuing efforts of the
Secretary- General and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in Nairobi.
'The Security Council encourages the Secretary-General to review the role of the United
Nations in Somalia, as a prelude to the United Nations playing an enhanced role, aimed at
achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia. This review
would include the possible relocation of some United Nations programmes and agencies, as
well as UNPOS, to Somalia. The review should also consider the security situation
carefully, as well as the resources that would be necessary to provide a secure
environment for United Nations operations in Somalia.
"The Security Council takes note of the
recommendation in the report of the Secretary-General of 16 August
1999 that the international community should consider establishing mechanisms which would
allow financial assistance to flow into secure and stable areas of Somalia even before a
formal central government and other institutions are re-established, with a view to
promoting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and unity of
Somalia.
"The Security Council will remain seized of the matter."
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