UNITED NATIONS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday lauded the resolve of Somali leaders and people to press ahead with reconciliation efforts despite the numerous challenges encountered by the Horn of Africa nation. The recent expansion of the Parliament and the peaceful election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed are "clearly testimony of the commitment of the parties to move forward with national reconciliation," Ban wrote in his latest report on Somalia, made public here on Wednesday. He said he is "pleased" that the new Somali leader has stated that he plans to reach out to groups opposed to the UN-brokered Djibouti process, and he urged "all the people of Somalia to embrace the spirit of forgiveness and compromise and put the past behind them for the sake of peace and reconciliation." But the secretary-general noted the many challenges ahead for the war-torn nation which has not had a functioning government since 1991.
"The simmering conflict between the forces of peace and those opposed to peace is just one example of those hurdles," he said in the report, adding that the instability caused by hostilities, abductions and fear continue to hinder delivery of vital humanitarian aid. ..more..http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/12/content_10998166.htm
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