COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Council Conclusions on Somalia

2870th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting

Brussels, 26 and 27 May 2008

 

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

 

“1.    The Council is seriously concerned over the security situation in Somalia and its negative humanitarian and human rights consequences. The Council reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive approach to a lasting settlement of the Somali crisis, covering its political, security and humanitarian aspects. It reiterates that the only way to restore the situation is through a political process ultimately inclusive of all concerned Somali stakeholders that renounce violence in the interest of the people of Somalia. The Council commends those committed to dialogue in search of common ground.

 

2.     The Transitional Federal Charter provides the only credible framework for an inclusive consultative process and broad-based ownership in shaping the future of Somalia through a permanent Constitution. The Council calls on all parties to engage in a constructive dialogue in shaping the future constitution of Somalia, to be the subject of a popular referendum in 2009, leading to elections.

 

3.     The Council welcomes the continued efforts by the Prime Minister Nur “Adde” Hassan Hussein and his Cabinet, under the leadership of President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, and supported by the Transitional Federal Parliament, to advance the political process. To that end, it welcomes the outcome of the meeting held in Djibouti from 10-15 May 2008 under the auspices of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) Ould-Abdallah and urges all the parties to comply with the engagement to continue further discussions on 31 May and to put aside their differences, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access and the delivery of assistance to the people with immediate effect. The Council also welcomes the ongoing dialogue between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and local leaders in Mogadishu.