Azerbaijan backs Somalia’s interim government, FM tells UNSC
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has told the UN Security Council that Azerbaijan supports the transitional federal government of Somalia in its efforts to achieve reconciliation and to build a stable, democratic and prosperous nation.
Addressing the UNSC briefing on Somalia Wednesday, Mammadyarov expressed Baku’s full support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as commended the efforts of the Somalia security forces and paid tribute to the Troop Contributing Countries.
The minister also praised the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its members in contributing to achieve peace and national reconciliation in Somalia and "mobilizing assistance for urgent needs of the peoples affected by humanitarian crisis in this country".
Mammadyarov said further, "We must continue to approach the complex situation in Somalia with care and sensitivity and on the basis of a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the political, humanitarian and security problems in this country through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders."
He said that as Somalia moves towards the end of the transition in August 2012, special efforts should be made to protect security and political gains of the past few years, as well as to ensure that all steps ultimately contribute to the delivery of the road map.
Mammadyarov said that security gains on the ground "cannot be consolidated without adequate assistance from the international community", including for providing AMISOM with all necessary resources to strengthen the Mission’s capability and to implement its mandate.
"As the Secretary-General made it clear in his recent report on Somalia, the resources available to the United Nations and AMISOM for Somalia are not commensurate with the challenges or the mandates given. We fully support the Secretary-General’s view that Somalia needs sustained help in order to implement the road map. The decisions of the Africa Union Peace and Security Council of 5 January 2012 and its call to the Security Council in this regard should also be taken into careful consideration."
Mammadyarov also stressed the importance of continued international assistance for the building of Somalia security institutions and cited the need for adequate military assets to fight "asymmetric terrorist attacks".
The minister said Azerbaijan was "gravely concerned" that the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in Somalia. He said Azerbaijan responded to the appeals of the respective governments and international organizations to provide urgent aid aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, including Somalia – the worst-affected country in the region.
"It is important that the international community continues supporting Somalia, including by contributing to the United Nationals Consolidated Appeal for this country. At the same time, all parties must allow unimpeded humanitarian access and refrain from actions which threaten the safety of the local population and those assisting them. There is also a need to redouble efforts to find long-term solutions for refugees and internally displaced people in Somalia."
Mammadyarov added that Azerbaijan was ready to continue its support to those in need in Somalia and other countries of the region.
Azerbaijan was elected a non-permanent member of the UNSC for 2012-2013 during the elections held last October.