UN Special Representative concerned over Mogadishu problem

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE 0018/2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008

Nairobi – The United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has expressed concern over the current problems regarding the administration of Mogadishu. He called on all Somalis to work together for peace and reconciliation in their country.

“The Somali people knew there would be challenges on the path to peace and they should not be discouraged,” said Mr Ould-Abdallah. “As the end of the transition period is less than a year away, I call on the Somali people to remain united and solve their political problems.

“The authorities should remain focused on peace and I hope to see them shortly. I call on the President, the Speaker, the Prime Minister, and all members of the Parliament to move forward. I also call on the ARS to continue to encourage reconciliation.”

He added that the Joint Security Committee, which is tasked to follow up on the implementation of security arrangements, and the High Level Committee, which will deal with political cooperation, justice and reconciliation, will be holding separately meetings shortly.

“I welcome this important step by the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia and their continuing commitment to the Agreement,” said Mr Ould-Abdallah. “We must keep moving forward to ensure the Agreement is fully implemented as soon as possible.”

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For more information please contact: Susannah Price, Public Information Officer, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya) Tel. +254 20 762 1192 (o) or +254 733 902020 (m).  Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org