Statement delivered by Mr. Vice Skracic, Minister Counsellor of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council debate on the situation in Somalia.
At the outset let me thank Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Pascoe and Mr. Boyd from the Department of Field Support for their remarks and introduction of the SG's report on Somalia. I would also like to use this opportunity to commend SRSG Mr. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah for his dedication and commitment in Somalia, as well as the tireless efforts of the UN Political Office in Somalia, the UN Support Office for AMISOM, the UN Country Team and other organizations operating in the country under extremely harsh circumstances.
Croatia notes the progress in some key areas identified in the SG's report, especially in the field of national reconciliation, drafting a constitution, capacity building and the building of national security forces. In that context, we further welcome the establishment of the Commission for Security and Pacification, tasked with reforming Somali security forces, as well as a major reshuffle of the Cabinet, including the appointment of the new Minister of Defense. We hope that this change will contribute to the Government's capacity to consolidate its authority and restore order in the country.
Croatia reiterates its strong support to the Djibouti peace process and calls upon all relevant actors to fully implement undertaken commitments, including the creation of an inclusive administration in Somalia. We urge all those groups still outside this Process to join in as soon as possible. We therefore welcome attempts to revitalize the work of the High Level Committee, and the SRSG's efforts aimed at engaging autonomous regions, as well as continued support of regional organizations to the Djibouti peace process.
We are deeply concerned with the marked deterioration of the security situation in southern and central Somalia and we condemn the continuing discriminate attacks against the civilian population. We urge all parties to the conflict to fully comply with IHL and human rights law. We express our sincere condolences to the families of those killed and injured during the attacks of 17 September in Mogadishu.
Croatia expresses its concern regarding the looming humanitarian crisis in Somalia, which is exacerbated by the severe difficulties in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, caused by increased violence against humanitarian workers, ongoing fighting and drought. We hope that adequate funding of the Consolidate Appeals Process and UN Transition Plan for Somalia will allow for the continuation of critical humanitarian activities.
On Piracy, my delegation shares the position expressed by other Council members, in that long term solutions will only come through the rule of law and the establishment of security on the ground.
Mr. President, Croatia supports the incremental approach as set out by the Secretary-General. We welcome preparations for a shift to the second “light footprint” phase, as well as further consultations between DPKO and the AU on a possible future peacekeeping operation in Somalia.
We commend the AU and AMISOM for their unfettering attempts to stabilize the situation in Somalia and the crucial role AMISOM plays in repelling insurgents and protecting vital infrastructure in Mogadishu. In that respect, we would like to pay special tribute to Uganda and Burundi for the vitally important contributions they are making to AMISOM.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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