DATE=6/29/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-SOMALIA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263911
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council has
(Thursday) expressed its strong support for efforts by
the government of Djibouti to restore peace and
stability in neighboring Somalia. VOA Correspondent
Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: U-N Undersecretary-General Kieran Prendergast
briefed the Council on the efforts of Djibouti's
President Ismail Guelleh to assist all factions in
Somalia to end their fighting and engage in national
reconciliation. For almost 10 years, Somalia has been
without any effective national government. The
country is controlled by feuding factional leaders.
A second round of the peace process now underway in
Djibouti involves more than 900 delegates from Somalia
representing many of the major clans, an alliance of
minorities and women. However, some Somali leaders are
boycotting the conference. Even so, Mr. Prendergast
believes the conference is a very important step.
///Prendergast///
What is taking place in Djibouti is a unique
political experience for Somalis. This is the
first time that Somali elders from all parts of
Somalia have met. It is the first time that
representatives of the grass-roots of almost all
clans have discussed ways and means of
rebuilding their country in a process based on
consensus-building from the bottom up and it is
the first time that Somali women have been
actively involved.
///end act///
Mr. Prendergast pointed out that although Djibouti is
acting as host and facilitator, the process is what he
called "Somali-owned." That, he said, is very
important.
Members of the Security Council expressed strong
support for Djibouti's peace efforts and urged those
Somali leaders who have not joined the peace process
to do so.
Speaking through an English translator, Council
President Jean Levitte of France read an official
statement on behalf of the members at the end of the
meeting. It took note of apparent violations of the
international arms embargo against all factions in
Somalia.
///Levitte translator act///
The Security Council reminds all states of their
obligation to comply with the measures imposed
by resolution 733 of 1992 and urges them to take
all necessary steps to insure full
implementation and enforcement of the arms
embargo.
///end act///
The Security Council statement also expresses concern
about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in
Somalia and condemns attacks on relief workers. A
German national who was directing a relief operation
in Somalia was murdered earlier this month. (Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/KBK
29-Jun-2000 17:21 PM EDT (29-Jun-2000 2121 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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