Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at an open VTC of UNSC members on Somalia
Mme. President,
We thank SRSG James Swan, Special Representative of the African Union and Head of AMISOM Francisco Madeira, and representative of the European Union Rita Laranjinha for the informative briefings. We welcome the participation in this VTC of State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia Mohamed Abdirizak.
We have closely studied the recent report of the Secretary-General.
Russia supports the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia in resolving the country’s political crisis and setting forth dialogue with the federal states in order to convene nationwide elections in the near future.
In recent months, Mogadishu has completed a great bulk of work to finalize modalities of the electoral model that was endorsed on 17 September last year. We welcome the rapprochement of positions of the federal authorities that was achieved earlier this month at a meeting in Dhusamareb, with Technical Committee contributing a lot to this goal. We notice Mogadishu’s inexhaustible readiness for dialogue and believe that this process should continue at the negotiations table. However, it should be noted that ultimatums and a lack of commitment to constructive cooperation, as well as internecine conflicts, can strengthen centrifugal trends.
The use of violence is unacceptable. We condemn outbursts of confrontation that took place in Mogadishu on 19 February. We call on all sides to the Somalian peace process to abstain from any unilateral measures and put the interests of the country and its people above all narrow-specific goals. All political forces should unite and demonstrate the much-needed willpower for the sake of preserving peace and stability in Somalia.
Any international assistance to the electoral process must fully respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia, and must never interfere in Somalia’s internal affairs. Mr.Swan, we count on you proceeding with fair brokerage on that matter.
Against the backdrop of a political crisis, there is an upsurge of terrorist activity of “Al-Shabaab” – a group that seeks to strengthen its positions while the authorities pay the most of their attention to preparing the elections. We call on Somalia and the peacekeepers to not cease their efforts in combating extremists.
Mme. President,
We proceed from the understanding that the African peacekeeping mission remains a key element of Somalia’s security. We welcome the results that the Federal Government achieved recently in taking over the responsibility for national security from AMISOM. We expect the African Union to adopt corresponding decisions in this regard. When addressing the extension of AMISOM mandate, which is pending at the end of this month, it is important to take into account the opinions of regional actors who are directly involved in maintaining peace and security in the country. In general, we are convinced that any decisions with regard to African peacekeepers need to account for the position of Mogadishu and the progress in training the Somalian national army, as well as building a nation-wide security architecture. Attempts to enforce a drawdown of AMISOM are unacceptable.
Mme. President,
In conclusion, let me underscore Russia’s firm commitment to the effective work of the Security Council aimed at resolving the current political crisis in Somalia.
Thank you.
