New York, 16 September 2010

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivan Barbalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations
at the UN Security Council Debate
on the situation in Somalia
Report of the Secretary-General on Somalia (S/2010/447)

At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, for his introduction of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/447) and comprehensive briefing this morning.

Also, we would like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Moses Wetangula, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya. Additionally, we would like to thank the Ambassador of Somalia for his statement.

Bosnia and Herzegovina condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent suicide attacks in Somalia and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims. We also once again express condolences to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place in Kampala on 11 July. Those tragic incidents once again remind us of the fragility of the security situation in Somalia, which remains a major concern for us, and of its impact on the wider region.

Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterates its full support for the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Djibouti peace process as the only legitimate and viable framework to achieve lasting peace in Somalia. As the end of the transitional period approaches, it is important that all relevant actors in the country show their full commitment to the implementation of the key transitional tasks through unity. This challenge requires the serious dedication of Somali institutions to ensure that the transitional period is not prolonged in order to justify the confidence and efforts of the Somali people and the international community.

We call upon the TFG to intensify its efforts, especially in the areas of political reconciliation and outreach, the constitution-making process, security, stability and the delivery of services, and urge all groups outside the Djibouti peace process to join it as soon as possible. The international community has shown its devotion to assisting the Somali people in achieving lasting peace and stability in the country. We express our hope that these efforts will continue, and we reiterate our call on the international community and partners of Somalia to provide urgent military and financial support, as well as other necessary resources to the TFG.

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains concerned regarding the humanitarian situation in the country. Despite the fact that the rainy season has improved the food security situation, a large number of people still depend on food assistance. Unfortunately, the delivery of this needed assistance is still obstructed in some parts of the country. We are deeply concerned over the recruitment and use of children in the conflict, as well as over the reports of cases of killed or injured children. We therefore urge all parties to the conflict to fully comply with international humanitarian and human rights law in order to protect the civilian population.

Once more, Bosnia and Herzegovina would like to commend the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and particularly the troops of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their tireless efforts in stabilizing the situation in Somalia, despite the extremely difficult environment in which AMISOM troops are operating. We therefore call upon the international community to continue its support to AMISOM with the aim of fully implementing its mandate. We welcome the efforts of the Joint Security Committee to coordinate the security sector development initiatives. Strengthening the processes of the Somali police force and national security forces is vital to peace and stability in Somalia.

Therefore, we would like to emphasize that the cooperation and assistance of the international community to the TFG are crucial, and that every resource should be used to generate the political and security conditions necessary for the successful completion of the transition by 2011.

Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes the importance of the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM and its efforts to provide a logistical support package to AMISOM, as well as the hard work of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia, the United Nations country team and all other humanitarian organizations.

Finally, on the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia, we share the view that the piracy poses a threat to peace and security, not just in the region but globally. We reiterate our position that a long-term solution will come only through fighting the root causes of piracy by restoring stability and the rule of law in Somalia.
 
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