By IANS,
United Nations : The UN Security Council, chaired by India, has urged all Somali groups to participate in next month’s consultative meeting to work out an agreed roadmap on key priorities for the future transition.
The Council voiced its strong support for the work of Augustine Mahiga, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, who is facilitating the consultative meeting scheduled for Sep 4 to 6.
The conference is expected to come up with “clear timelines and benchmarks to be implemented by the Transitional Federal Institutions,” over the next year, the Council said in a press statement read out by Hardeep Singh Puri of India, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency this month.
Somali groups expected to be represented in the meeting include the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), local and regional administrations and other stakeholders.
The Council urged all participants to “engage constructively and responsibly in this meeting and stressed the importance of agreeing the roadmap in a timely manner.”
The 15-member United Nations body emphasised that “future support to the TFIs would be contingent upon completion of the tasks in the roadmap.”
The Council welcomed the recent improvements in the security situation in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and urged TFIs to immediately capitalise on the security gains by urgently focusing on the delivery of basic services and providing good governance to all citizens.
The Council reiterated its grave concern at the continued instability in Somalia, which has led to many problems, including terrorism, piracy, hostage-taking and a dire humanitarian situation.
It stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to encourage peace and stability through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
The Council reiterated its grave concern over famine conditions in several parts of Somalia and urged all parties and armed groups to “ensure full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid.”