United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE 024/2009

Nairobi, 6 August 2009 – The United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has welcomed the meeting between the US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Somalia’s President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

“Today’s meeting in Nairobi is most important. It is in line with, and strengthens the positions of, the InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the European Union on Somalia. This meeting is therefore a strong show of support for peace and stability in Somalia as promoted in the Djibouti Agreement,” said Mr Ould-Abdallah. “The Government needs strong backing to continue its dialogue with various parties and to increase security for the people.

“The time has come for countries, groups, individuals and especially spoilers to show more understanding and respect for Somalia and help its people to rebuild their society and their country. Respecting Somalia does not mean recycling proposals to hold ‘inclusive national conferences’ again and again.”

Mr Ould-Abdallah pointed out that the current Government is committed to dialogue with Somalis inside their own country. He added that the priority should be to support that policy and not to create more confusion in a country which has suffered so much for so long.

“The Somali people are sick and tired of violence which has destroyed their lives. I am impressed by their collective belief in a peaceful future for themselves and their families,” he stated. “The international community must not let them down now.”

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For more information please contact: Susannah Price or Donna Cusumano,

Public Information Officers, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya)

Tel: +254 20 762 1192/1625 or +254 733902020/737400133.