The Security Council this morning began an open debate on
Somalia by hearing a briefing from Under-Secretary-General
for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast on the latest developments
there, particularly the opening of the second round of the
Somali Peace Conference in Arta, Djibouti, on June 15.
He noted
that 920 delegates have been allocated seats to the second
phase of the conference, with every major clan, and Somali
women represented; however, Prendergast added, some major
Somali leaders continue to refuse to take part in the Conference
or send observers.
Deliberations
on the Conference have been extended until July 15. He thanked
Djibouti for hosting and facilitating the conference, and
added, "There have been so many false dawns in relation to
Somalia that the international community, and in particular
the Security Council, must not fall prey to cynicism or despair
and give up on Somalia.
" Also
among the speakers in today's debate was Ambassador Roble
Olhaye of Djibouti, who traveled from the Conference site
to participate in today's debate and provided details on the
Peace Conference.
Once the
debate concluded, the Council adopted a Presidential Statement
on Somalia. At 4 p.m. today, the Council will go into closed
consultations to discuss the text of draft resolutions which
Council members have been considering on Sierra Leone.
The Council
will also discuss Sierra Leone on Friday, when it is briefed
by Special Representative Oluyemi Adeniji, who will talk to
the press he finishes briefing the Council.
|
