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Somalia

Council conclusions on Somalia (adopted as an A-item)

(2718th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting, Brussels, 20 March 2006)
The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. Recalling its unequivocal support to the Somali National Reconciliation Conference and the Transitional Federal Institutions, as expressed in the Council's conclusions of 22 July 2002 and 22 November 2004, the Council reiterated the strategic importance of peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia and the EU's commitment to continue supporting the Somali reconciliation and peace process.

2. In this context, the Council welcomed as an important step towards reconciliation and governance the opening on 26 February 2006 of the first session on Somali soil of the Transitional Federal Parliament in the city of Baidoa. It commended the Somali leaders for their efforts to put aside any remaining differences to make possible this important step. It encouraged them to continue working together to facilitate a representative and productive Parliamentary session and in general to ensure the proper functioning of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) to the benefit of the Somali people.

3. The Council however noted with concern that the security situation in Mogadishu remains serious. It condemned the recent military activities in the city aimed at provoking sectarian strife. The Council deeply regretted the resulting loss of life and calls on all parties to exercise the maximum restraint and take immediate steps to reduce tension. It further urged the international community to work constructively and in full cooperation with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to address this problem.

4. The Council urged in particular the TFIs to now work towards an early establishment of conditions that will permit the creation of peace, stability and security and the restoration of effective governance in Somalia.

5. The Council expressed the readiness of the EU to continue supporting the TFIs on the basis of the Transitional Federal Charter and an inclusive, Somali-owned dialogue, leading to sustainable reconciliation at all levels. This includes support for the National Reconciliation Commission and local and regional authorities engaged in this process. It urged the international community to do the same.

6. Equally, the Council encouraged the states in the region, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the AU to continue their efforts in support of the ongoing Somali peace and reconciliation process.

7. Recalling its commitment to assist the Somali people in building a secure, stable and prosperous Somalia through legitimate and functional TFIs, the EU will enhance and broaden its relations with Somalia by following a comprehensive strategic framework which is based on the following building blocs:

- providing support for the effective functioning of the TFIs;

- encouraging reconciliation, democracy and construction of structures of governance at all levels;

- taking a leading role in assisting the Somali people in the reconstruction of the country, contributing to a coordinated and effective assistance from the international community in consultation with all relevant partners;

- restoring the rule of law by supporting Somali-owned governance and security sector initiatives.

8. The EU's policy vis-à-vis Somalia will further be guided by the following principles:

- the EU shall progressively step up its constructive engagement in Somalia, based on actions on the ground, following an informed and consequential approach;

- the EU shall support legitimate processes and institutions rather than individuals;

- EU assistance will seek to put emphasis on incentives for dialogue and participation in state building; inclusiveness will remain the guiding principle behind the EU engagement while not being a precondition;

- EU assistance shall be delivered in accordance with the Declaration of Principles, agreed by the Stockholm meeting on Somalia on 29 October 2004 and endorsed by the TFG and the UN as co-chairs of the Coordination and Monitoring Committee in February 2005, the principles for international engagement in fragile states, as adopted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the on-going Somali Joint Needs Assessment;

- the EU shall take into account regional approaches to conflict prevention and conflict mitigation. 9. The Council further reiterated its commitment to ensuring that its support to the development of the capacities of the Somali security sector is consistent with the UN arms embargo. It urged all parties to observe the arms embargo scrupulously and to avoid further destabilising a country which is already flooded with armaments. It reiterated its support for the Statement of the President of the UN Security Council of 14 July 2005 and underlined the importance of an agreement on a Somali National Security and Stabilisation Plan before any exemption to the arms embargo is contemplated. The Council reiterated its preparedness in principle to consider support for African led initiatives to support peace in Somalia, subject to their approval by the UN Security Council.

10. The Council recognised the achievements, including democratic progress, of important areas of tranquillity within Somalia.

11. The Council welcomed the Statement of the President of the UN Security Council of 15 March 2006 which it fully endorsed. The Council reiterated the EU's readiness to work with the UN and other relevant international organisations in supporting the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, as well as expressed its support for the role of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Somalia.

12. The Council welcomed the establishment of an EU contact group on Somalia in Nairobi to engage on behalf of the EU and in consultation with EU Heads of Mission in direct dialogue with the TFIs.

13. The Council expressed concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Somalia and emphasised the need for humanitarian assistance to the area."