Brussels, 22/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - EU foreign affairs ministers meeting on Tuesday 22 July in Brussels under the presidency of Bernard Kouchner, welcomed the signing of the cease-fire agreement in Djibouti on 9 June 2008 between the federal provisional institutions of Somalia and the opposition. The humanitarian situation in the country, however, is still a source of concern to ministers.
In its conclusions, the Council states that it wants the international community to remain committed to supporting implementation of this agreement. It is even prepared to strengthen EU support measures and welcomes the commitment of the African Union to increase support for the measures taken by Somalia to re-establish peace in its territory. The strengthening of the federal provisional institutions and national police forces is, “essential for implementation of the Djibouti agreement” and finding a sustainable political solution, explained the Council, which paid homage to the “important role” played by the UN in “supporting the political process”.
The Council is particularly concerned by the humanitarian aid access difficulties, affecting refugees and displaced persons. The Council sees the reinforcement of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) as a “first essential state for improving security on the ground” and therefore the humanitarian situation. In this respect, it reiterates its support for an overall approach to the Somalian crisis, which would allow for a lasting settlement, by providing a response to political, security and humanitarian questions.
The Council again expressed its concern about acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. It also said that it wanted a rapid conclusion to the work on the EU's contribution to implementation of Resolution 1816 of the Security Council. (A.N./trans/rh)