Members
of the Security Council today welcomed the formation of the
new Somali parliament and strongly urged all Somali political
forces to support the ongoing peace process.
In a
statement to the press following closed-door consultations,
the Council President, Ambassador Agam Hasmy of Malaysia,
reminded the warlords and faction leaders that "obstructing
and undermining the efforts to achieve an overall settlement
in Somalia would not be acceptable," and urged them to support
the National Assembly.
He said
that Council members, welcomed the decision to reserve seats
in that body for women representatives in recognition of their
constructive role in nation-building.
Council
members called upon the international community to provide
support to Somalia's national reconciliation process, and
to assist the country's people in their national reconstruction
and development, the President said. On relief efforts, members
of the Council urged all parties to live up to their obligations
to ensure the safety and security of all humanitarian personnel
operating in Somalia.
Reaffirming
that preservation of the territorial integrity of the country
was "the precondition for overall normalization in Somalia,"
Council members voiced support for efforts of regional organizations
towards that end.
They also
urged all States to observe the arms embargo against Somalia,
which the Council imposed in 1992.
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