MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has welcomed the military progress made by the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in south-central Somalia.
“I congratulate the SNA and AMISOM forces on regaining control of key towns and areas from Al Shabaab. I pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifices made by Somali soldiers and their African brothers and sisters,” SRSG Kay said. “The UN will continue to support the joint operations in line with Security Council Resolution 2124 and the Secretary-General’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy. It is important that international humanitarian law and human rights are fully respected.”
“Fighting has affected civilian populations. The UN and international partners have begun addressing humanitarian needs where access is possible and needs are assessed,” he added.
“Somalis living in areas now under Government control should quickly receive what they need: better security and justice, services such as health and education and a decent livelihood,” SRSG Kay noted.
He welcomed contributions made by international partners to the Government’s efforts to ensure Somalis benefit from peace and stability, and called for more international support.
“The United Nations is supporting these stabilisation efforts, including by immediately making available $3 million from the United Nations’ Peace-Building Fund,” he said.
“This is a turning point in Somalia’s struggle to bring lasting peace to all its people. Its friends and partners need to act quickly and generously.”
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