Statement by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Somalia
- On: 27.10.2008
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcomes the signing yesterday by Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) of an agreement on the implementation of the cessation of armed confrontation that is to become effective on 5 November 2008. The Agreement, which provides for the relocation of Ethiopian troops and their subsequent complete withdrawal, as well as for the formation of a joint TFG/ARS police force, is a significant development in the political process launched by the signing of the Djibouti Agreement on 18 August 2008.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union further welcomes the adoption by the two Parties of a Joint Political Declaration providing for the establishment of a Somali Unity Government involving an inclusive parliament and open to all Somali nationals.
In view of the tragic consequences of continued violence for the Somali population, the President of the Council of the European Union calls on all the Parties to comply with the Agreement and, in particular, to cease hostilities in order to enable the pursuit of the political process and the stabilisation of Somalia.
The Presidency reiterates its full support for the action of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia Mr. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah.
- Updated: 28.10.2008
