Statement

by H.E. Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

at the Debate of the United Nations Security Council on Somalia

New York - Thursday, 9^th July,  2009

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Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Ms. Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General of Field Support for their insightful briefings. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Somalia for his statement. My Delegation welcomes the participation of the Permanent Representative of the African Union in this meeting of the Security Council.

Mr. President,

Taking stock of the gravity and complexity of the current situation in Somalia, my Delegation remains deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in and around Mogadishu as reflected by intensified attacks by insurgent groups, most notably Al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam, against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). These armed attacks have led to the deaths and injuries of many peacekeepers and civilians. We also are gravely concerned about the extremely alarming humanitarian situation with over one million people internally displaced and more than 3 million on the verge of starvation.

Mr. President,

Given the sufferings that are being visited upon the civilian population and the continuing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the country, there is obviouly an urgent need for immediate and vigorous international support for the TFG’s endeavors to repel the onslaught of extremist forces, which are intent on destroying the Djibouti peace process and spoiling the efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia through political reconciliation. Member States of the United Nations are urged to fulfill the pledges they made in Brussels last April to provide the TFG with adequate assistance, paricularly the much needed funds and assistance to rebuild Somalia’s security institutions and to train its security forces.

            Vietnam supports the TFG’s call for the mobilization of additional troops for AMISOM in order to enable it to withstand the insurgent attacks. We highly appreciate the efforts made by the governments of Uganda and Burundi in contributing to the maintenance of the security in Mogadishu. In this connection, we welcome the pledges made by the governments of Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana and other AU countries to contribute troops to AMISOM. We hope that these precious commitments will be realized in a timely and fruitful way.

For its part, the Security Council has decided to provide logistical support to AMISOM. We are encouraged that, on 25^th June, the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly approved this decision in the amount of over 138 million dollars. We see reasons for hope coming from the common interest and concerted efforts of the Security Council of the United Nations in the current situation in Somalia

Mr. President,

A further deterioration in Somalia with Al-Qaeda-linked fighters in Al-Shabaab controlling much of the southern and central parts of the country would have regional implications of an escalation of the conflict and, more dangerously, run the risk of turning the region into safe havens for international terrorists. We must work together to prevent the spread of this danger, end the scourge of violence and advance the cause of peace and stability.

For this effort to succeed, it is necessary to work for closer cooperation and a more effective partnership between the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU) and the League of Arab States (LAS) in addressing the challenges that confront Somalia and to bring about a lasting peace and security in the region. The United Nations should continue to be a strong partner in this endeavor.

I thank you, Mr. President./.