MOGADISHU (Sh. M. Network)- Catherine Ashton travelled to Somalia Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, travelled to Mogadishu on 27 August where She met with Somali leadership including members of the new Federal Parliament, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Commander Lieutenant General Gutti, and the United Nations Secretary General Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Mahiga.
As Somalia ends its eight-year transition period, the visit underlines the EU’s commitment to contributing to better governance, development and security in the country.
Speaking immediately after her trip to Mogadishu, Catherine Ashton said: “The ending of Somalia’s transition will bring with it the prospect of lasting peace, prosperity and stability for the country and for the millions of people who have suffered from 20 years of conflict. It is an occasion the EU warmly welcomes.
It is essential the transition is completed swiftly.
The new Federal Parliament must finalize the process as soon as possible, to fulfil the aspirations of all Somalis. The new institutions must then immediately embark on efforts towards stabilisation in all accessible areas in the country.
This is crucial to the future of a viable federal Somalia. The people of Somalia must be assured of good governance, transparency, accountability, justice and respect for their rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of worship. Above all, the new Federal Institutions must reach out to Somalis of all walks of life, to achieve reconciliation and development after more than twentyYears of conflict.
I urge Somali leaders to act swiftly, decisively with integrity and in the interests of the Somali people. We look forward to the new Government’s work plan, and underline the urgent need for a mechanism to guarantee the sound use of financial resources.
I take this opportunity to assure the Somali people of the EU’s continued support, including support for the African Union in its mission to create the necessary conditions for the development of Somali security forces, and with EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement through the EU Training Mission (EUTM), .aval Force (EU.AVFOR) and its new capacity building mission (EUCAP .estor). You are not alone”.
Source: European Union press release
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