Brussels, 20/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the foreign affairs ministers of the EU adopted without debate conclusions on Somalia, sending out a message of encouragement to the interim federal institutions to speed up progress towards peace and stability. Ministers welcomed the progress made towards reconciliation, as shown by the first session on Somali soil of the interim federal parliament, and expressed the EU's willingness to "continue to support the interim federal institutions, on the basis of the Federal transition charter, and dialogue (...) which is open to all". They also noted "the progress made, including in respect of democratic principles, in the considerable regions of the country which are not prey to trouble". However, they expressed their anxiety at security conditions in Mogadishu, which are still of concern, and condemned the military activity there, which has left many dead. The Council calls on the interim federal institutions rapidly to create the conditions for peace, stability and security to thrive, and to re-establish a proper management of public affairs in Somalia. They urge the States of the region, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union to continue to support this process.
The Council reiterates the EU's determination to help the Somali population to build a safe, stable and prosperous country, in which they can rely on legitimate federal institutions, and pledges that "the EU will improve and extend its relations with Somalia, following a global strategic framework based on the following priorities": -supporting the effective functioning of the interim federal institutions; -encouraging reconciliation, democracy and the setting in place of governance structures at every level; -playing a pivotal role in helping the population to rebuild their country, and contributing towards coordinated and effective assistance actions on the part of the international community, in consultation with all the partners concerned; -restoring the rule of law, by supporting the management of public affairs, which should be carried out by the Somali people themselves, and the initiatives carried out in the field of security. The Council, which also pledges that the EU will gradually reinforce its constructive commitment in Somalia by dint of actions on the ground, reiterates that its support for the reinforcement of resources in the Somali security sector will respect the UN weapons embargo to the letter. It welcomes the fact that an EU contact group on Somalia has been set up in Nairobi (Kenya), which will have direct dialogue with the interim federal institutions, in consultation with the EU chefs de mission.