EU allocates additional 47 mln euros for peacekeeping operation in Somalia

NAIROBI, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission confirmed its support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) by providing an additional 47 million euros to the African Union.The latest assistance brings the EU allocation to AMISOM to a total of 142 million euros funded under the African Peace Facility (APF) since 2007."AMISOM remains crucial to prevent a severe further downfall in the security of Somalia and has proven to be key to the creation of minimum security preconditions for dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia," Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in a statement received here on Thursday.EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs said the EU is committed to supporting the African Union in creating the necessary conditions to national reconciliation, lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in Somalia.I hope that this mission will establish an environment where human rights are respected, the protection of all citizens assured and internally displaced persons and refugees can return home in safety and dignity," Piebalgs said.AMISON has had an uninterrupted peacekeeping presence in Mogadishu since March 2007.The renewed EU support will continue to give AMISOM the means to provide protection to the Transitional Federal Institutions, assist in the implementation of the national Security and Stabilization plan (NSSP), facilitate humanitarian operations and provide support to disarmament and stabilization efforts.The support to AMISOM is part of a multi-level EU strategy towards Somalia which encompasses regular assistance to the security sector through development programs and projects, humanitarian assistance, naval security operations and security training.