EU Presidency declaration on Somalia National Reconciliation Conference

Summary: August 31, 2004: Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Somalia National Reconciliation Conference (Brussels)

The European Union welcomes the outcome of the meeting in Gigiri, Kenya, on 29 August 2004, which announced the conclusion of the process of appointing members of a transitional federal parliament.

The European Union commends the efforts of Somali leaders in achieving this significant outcome and calls upon them to ensure that the same spirit of positive co-operation prevails during the remainder of the reconciliation process. It welcomes in particular the cohesiveness shown by IGAD member states and their resolve to adopt a common approach based on political consensus.

The European Union reassures all parties involved in the process of its continued commitment and reiterates its support for the challenges confronting Somalia the coming months.

The European Union appeals to all parties to continue their engagement with the aim of establishing:

An inclusive government committed to furthering stability and to constructive dialogue with all Somalis, including with existing areas of tranquillity;
A government whose members are committed to an effective cease-fire and to the creation of a stable national environment, including the eradication of any possible terrorist activity;
A government which works for humanitarian access across Somalia and for the protection of civilians;
A government that works with commitment towards a federal Somalia: by establishing a federal commission as stated in the Transitional Federal Charter;
A government which co-operates with the international community on the basis of an agreement and a joint co-ordination and monitoring mechanism to be finalised in Nairobi.

The European Union stands ready to continue to assist the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference and urges it to continue in its efforts to reach an early and positive conclusion.

The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

Ref: CL04-178EN
EU source: Council
UN forum:
Date: 31/8/2004

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