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Belgium security Council MEXMUN 2008 Somalia
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This is the second position paper i presented at MEXMUN 2008 SC on english too.

The situation in Somalia is grave. It poses a real threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and is causing terrible suffering among the Somali population. The situation requires an integrated approach on the part of the international community to address all the various aspects of the crisis. In that context, I thank Special Representative Mr. Ould Abdallah for his detailed report on the latest developments in that country and for his recommendations for strengthening the action of the international community. I also thank the representative of Somalia for his contribution to the debate.
At the political level, the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Mr. Nur Hassan Hussein, has opened a new window of opportunity for progress in the transition process. We encourage the Prime Minister to invite all political forces, inside Somalia or out, that renounce violence and accept the Transitional Federal Charter as the framework for the restoration of peace in Somalia to participate in an inclusive political process. The Transitional Federal Government is primarily responsible for implementing the conclusions of the National Reconciliation Congress and for establishing a road map for completing the transitional period. That includes preparations for a constitutional referendum and for elections by 2009, in accordance with the Transitional Federal Charter.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Holmes, recently reminded the Council. There is no indication that this trend will reverse itself. The urgency of the crisis has even prompted dozens of non-governmental organizations to appeal to the international community. A growing portion of the population is dependent on assistance, which, however, is facing serious problems of access. All parties, and the Transitional Federal Institutions in particular, are duty-bound to protect the population, respect international humanitarian law, facilitate access to those in need, and promote the return of displaced persons to their areas of origin.
Incidents similar to that of 4 December, when the closure of land and maritime access points to humanitarian assistance was announced and subsequently retracted, must absolutely be avoided. We must also find a speedy solution, together with the Somali authorities, to the thorny problem of people being made to pay for the right to cross checkpoints. We expect the new Prime Minister to reaffirm his Government’s commitment to the facilitation of humanitarian assistance and to do all in his power to end impunity in the country.
The essential prerequisite for lasting improvement, however, remains the stabilization of security. All parties are duty-bound to put an immediate end to acts of violence and to implement a ceasefire that will allow the launching of a genuine political process. Belgium endorses the Secretary-General’s analysis that the dispatch of a peacekeeping force cannot be envisaged in the current circumstances. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) remains the sole available option for facilitating the withdrawal of foreign forces from that country. Belgium expresses its support for AMISOM and for the countries that contribute to it. We reiterate the need to strengthen AMISOM, particularly in financial terms, and encourage the United Nations, in cooperation with the African Union, to consider new forms of support for that force, be it in technical assistance or the design of operations, and to implement them post-haste. Belgium is also committed to that approach.
We are well aware that the United Nations has a responsibility to protect with respect to the people of Somalia and has to maintain its credibility in the eyes of international public opinion. Belgium therefore fully supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and Mr. Ould Abdallah to increase the coordination of international activities in Somalia by developing a comprehensive plan of action, in particular in support of the transition process and the security sector in Somalia. We especially support the Secretary-General’s recommendation that the United Nations Political Office for Somalia be strengthened. We are also willing to listen to those who propose feasible and appropriate solutions to halting the cycle of violence and to stemming the crisis in Somalia, convinced that the international community must pursue and increase its commitment to that course.

P.S. This is the result of an electronic investigation on UN`s web pages (UNBISNET), the Belgium Representation on the SC and some other sites, this document shouldn`t be taken as the real government position, if any belgian or anyone else feels that this is an unaccurate or offensive statement, let me know for me to correct it, i wouldn't like anyone talking false on behalf of my country, even on a simulation. Hope you like it and you can use it on anything you want, but please don´t claim it as yours, as it isn't mine either. Also, if you have any trouble for the use of the coat of arms, tell me.

February 4, 2009 | 7:54 PM Comments  0 comments

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