Top UN envoy for Somalia on Monday praised the international community for its generous pledges totaling more than 213 million U.S. dollars for Somali security forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia.
UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said in a statement issued in Nairobi that it was now up to everyone to show the resources mobilized would be available very soon and spent wisely and responsibly.
He said the international Conference in Brussels on Thursday, which was attended by leadership of the United Nations, African Union, European Union and Commission, the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Conference, should be a turning point for Somalia.
"While strengthening security, providing youth employment and delivering humanitarian assistance are essential, lasting peace and stability will come through continued dialogues as laid out in the Djibouti Agreement," Ould-Abdallah said.
"Thanks to the Agreement, the displaced are returning to their home. Parliament is more inclusive, a Government of National Unity has been constituted and the orderly withdrawal of Ethiopian took place more than three months ago," the envoy said.
Ould-Abdallah reminded those Somalis who are on the UN Security Council Sanctions List that they should be patriotic enough to move forward and not take their country hostage to their personal ambitions.
"Those leaders who fled the country in 2006 are back and I encourage them to take part peacefully and constructively in the rebirth of Somalia," the UN envoy said. "If these individuals work positively for peace and stability. I stand ready as the Representative of the Secretary General to enlist the support of the international community to help address successfully their legal and diplomatic situation."
The Brussels conference was attended by representatives of more than 60 countries and regional organizations including Somali President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, along with Javier Solana, EU High Representative; Amr Moussa, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; and Ould-Abdallah.
The UN envoy said now it was the time for Somalis to show their people, their region and the international community that they are finally serious about peace and leaving behind the culture of winner-takes-all and the ever-shifting alliances that are still devastating their nation.
"Now is the time for all sides to support the progress made and work together to ensure Somalia regains its place on the world stage," said Ould-Abdallah.
Source: Xinhua
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