Presidency Statement on Somalia

Press release 255/2006
July 20, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union is alarmed by reports of a significant deployment of military hardware and militia aligned with the Union of Islamic Courts in the vicinity of Bur Hakaba, 60 kilometres from Baidoa, the temporary seat of the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia.

In line with the UN Security Council Presidential Statement of 13 July and the International Contact Group communiqué of 17 July, the EU Presidency urgently calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and to refrain from any further hostile or provocative actions that would derail efforts already taken by the Somali parties and the international community to stabilise the country and build a peaceful future for the people of Somalia through inclusive dialogue.

The Presidency believes that no sustainable solution for Somalia can be achieved by force of arms, strongly opposes actions by any group or individuals liable to undermine the peace process launched in Khartoum, and urges the parties to resume their dialogue in the Sudanese capital.

The Presidency reiterates the EU's support for the Transitional Federal Charter and Institutions as the sole framework in which a broad-based, representative and effective government, incorporating all elements of Somali society, can be established.

The Presidency is gravely concerned about the risk that the recent developments will have regional consequences. The Presidency urges all parties in the region to refrain from any action that would lead to destabilising the Horn of Africa.