The Security Council this afternoon, expressing concern at the resumption of fighting in Mogadishu and the increased suffering of the civilian population, called on all Somali factions to "cease immediately all hostilities and to restore an effective cease-fire". In a statement read out on its behalf by the President of the Council, Francesco Paolo Fulci (Italy), the Council affirmed its support for the efforts of the countries of the region as well as of international and regional organizations, in particular the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the League of Arab States, to facilitate a political settlement of the crisis. It appealed to all Somali factions to join such efforts and to start a process of national reconciliation aimed at the establishment of a broad- based national government.
The Council reminded all States of their obligations to implement fully the general and complete embargo imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 733 (1992) on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Somalia.
Also this morning, the Council called on the factions to ensure the safety of all organizations and individuals who carry out humanitarian activities in Somalia.
The full text of the Presidential statement, which will be issued as document S/PRST/1996/47, reads as follows:
"The Security Council is gravely concerned at the resumption of fighting in Mogadishu, where the latest clashes are taking an increasingly heavy toll in human lives. It is deeply concerned, in particular, at the plight of the civilian population, whose suffering is increased even further by the fighting.
"The Security Council calls on all Somali factions to cease immediately all hostilities and to restore an effective cease-fire.
"The Security Council fully supports the efforts of the countries of the region as well as of international and regional organizations, in particular the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States, to facilitate
Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6305 3726th Meeting (PM) 20 December 1996
a political settlement of the crisis in Somalia. It appeals to all Somali factions to join in such efforts and to start a process of national reconciliation aimed at the establishment of a broad-based national government.
"The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to a lasting solution to the crisis in Somalia and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to monitor closely the situation and to report to the Council on any further development.
"The Security Council reminds once again all States of their obligations to implement fully the general and complete embargo imposed by resolution 733 (1992) on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Somalia.
"The Security Council reaffirms its appreciation to all the organizations and individuals who carry out humanitarian activities in Somalia and calls upon all Somali factions to ensure the safety of all the personnel involved."
The meeting, which began at 12 p.m., was adjourned at 12:04 p.m.
* *** *
