Saxardiid Posted February 1, 2004 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC January 31, 2004 Somalia Peace Agreement The United States commends the signing of an agreement by influential Somalis to establish a new national parliament in Somalia and begin the process of electing a president. By signing this agreement, the Somalis have demonstrated their ability to overcome differences, increase their capacity to formulate workable compromises and begin reaching out to former adversaries in the interest of providing a way forward for the Somali people. Somali citizens have suffered a great deal since the collapse of the central government in 1991. The United States welcomes the efforts of influential Somalis in forming a new central government and in working together to improve the quality of life for all Somalis. Although the January 29 signing was a significant event, it is just one critical step in what will still be a long and difficult process. We urge Somalis of influence to do all within their power to ensure that momentum is not lost. The United States also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly the recent efforts of the President and Government of Kenya and Ugandan President Museveni in reaching this agreement. We hope that all international observers will continue to play a positive role in this Somali peace process and support sustainable peace in Somalia. click here to see the source Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saxardiid Posted February 1, 2004 Declaration by the EU Presidency on the National Reconciliation Conference in Somalia Jan 31 2004 Brussels, (Somaliland Net) - The European Union welcomes the agreement signed on 29 January 2004 by all parties taking part in the "ten days consultation period" in Nairobi on outstanding issues concerning the Transitional Institutions for Somalia. Such agreement paves the way for moving to the third and final phase of the Conference, thus opening a window of opportunity to be seized upon without hesitation. The European Union commends the efforts of Somali leaders in order to attain this fundamental outcome by overcoming their differences and calls upon them to ensure that the same spirit of positive co-operation prevails during the third and final phase of the Conference, and that a comprehensive and all-inclusive solution is found to the long-lasting crisis in Somalia. The European Union reiterates its full and continuing support to the IGAD-sponsored national reconciliation process to which there is no alternative for the restoration of effective government, peace and stability in Somalia and commends all IGAD member States for bringing about real progress within the process. In particular, the European Union praises the successful efforts of the current Chairman of IGAD, President Museveni, the sustained engagement of President Kibaki and the tireless endeavours of Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Musyoka and the Presidency of the IGAD Facilitation Committee as well as the continued presence of the Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Ali Abdi Farah. The European Union calls upon members of the IGAD Facilitation Committee to further their joint efforts and to assist in the successful conclusion of the final phase of the Conference. The European Union stands ready to provide financial and technical support to a provisional allinclusive, broad-based Government for Somalia. The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration. click here for the source Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saxardiid Posted February 1, 2004 Annan hails agreement on new transitional charter for Somalia 30 January 2004 – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the accord signed by Somali leaders on the political transition of their country, which has long been wracked by war and poverty. Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, they reached agreement on a charter that would help lay the foundations for an effective, working system of government after years of civil conflict. Mr. Annan "encourages Somali leaders to build on the progress achieved and swiftly conclude the Somali National Reconciliation Conference with the establishment of an inclusive government," he said in a statement issued by his spokesman in New York. The Secretary-General also praised the work of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, other leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and international supporters of the Somali peace process for their perseverance. Mr. Annan's statement came as the UN refugee agency called for "a drastic increase" in support for the UN's programmes in Somalia to take advantage of the progress in the peace talks. A high-level team from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today concluded a 20-day mission to Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. Senior UNHCR officials reviewed the existing refugee schemes in Somalia and neighbouring countries. An estimated 200,000 Somali refugees are spread across Kenya, Yemen, Djibouti and Ethiopia. UNHCR spokesman Kris Janowski said more than half the country is enjoying a period of relative peace and stability. He told the press in Geneva that this "window of opportunity" should be exploited to promote the return of up to 30,000 refugees to the Somaliland and Puntland regions of Somalia. Somalia remains one of the world's most destitute countries, ranking third poorest out of 174 nations surveyed in the latest UN Human Development Index. The UNHCR estimates that more than 90 per cent of returning refugees do not have enough money to meet their basic needs. click here for the source Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
