International Contact Group on Somalia.... Press release

In the 15th meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia (ICG) was held under the chairmanship of the UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah on 9 – 10 June in Rome. The meeting was opened by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, together with the Somali Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke. The ICG welcomes the commitment made by the Transitional Government of Somalia to achieve political stability in Somalia through an inclusive process. The ICG urges the Somali Government to complete the process of national reconciliation by reaching out to those who have yet to support and engage in the process. The ICG is encouraged by the efforts of the Somali Government to introduce a more accountable and transparent system of government which is critical to establishing good governance in Somalia and to enhance the confidence of partners.
The ICG calls on all partners to support, through a comprehensive approach, the Somali Government politically, financially and technically to enable it to deliver improved security, the protection of civilians, basic services and provide employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The ICG remains committed to help bring stability, security and prosperity to Somalia.
The ICG condemns the recent attempt by extremist armed opposition groups to overthrow the legal, legitimate and internationally recognised Somali Government. The ICG supports the engagement of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development and the African Union Peace and Security Council and calls for urgent discussions on the recommendations of their recent meetings. The ICG calls for concerted actions against those individuals, entities and states who obstruct the peace process, including the imposition of necessary measures against those who violate the United Nations Arms Embargo. The ICG supports initiative aimed at combating piracy, which is an international security threat that also effects the Somali people by worsening the internal economic conditions and hampering delivery of humanitarian assistance. The ICG calls for actions to address the root cause of piracy, namely the political, security and social crisis in Somalia, that risks enhancing patterns of collusion with terrorist activities. The ICG recognises the positive role of the international naval presence fighting piracy...more..http://www.esteri.it/MAE/EN/Sala_Stampa/ArchivioNotizie/Comunicati/2009/06/20090610_ICGSomalia.htm