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Statement by H.E. Mr. Tsuneo Nishida
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Meeting of the Security Council on the Situation in Somalia
16 September 2010
Mr. President,
(Introduction)
I would like to thank Mr. Mahiga for his first briefing to the Council as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, and extend our appreciation for the presence of the representatives of Somalia and others today.
Japan continues to be concerned at the fragile security situation in Somalia evidenced by the recent series of terrorist attacks against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and AMISOM, including the latest attack at the Mogadishu airport. It is our view that, in order to stabilize the political and security situation in Somalia, the TFG must first of all strive for political unity and improvement of management within itself, and the international community, in particular AMISOM and the UN, can then focus on making concerted efforts to support the TFG. Japan hopes that the mini-summit meeting on Somalia at the margins of the new General Assembly session next week will lay a foundation for countries, including donors, to further strengthen their cooperation in support of Somalia.
Mr. President,
(The engagement by the TFG)
Japan takes note of the efforts by the TFG in promoting the Djibouti process, including the reorganization of its cabinet to include Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, since our last briefing in the Security Council. However, we are concerned that little progress has been made in the political dialogue with moderate opposition groups. Japan believes that it is of utmost importance that the TFG intensify its efforts to garner support from moderate opposition groups, and that the role of international community is to help to create an environment conducive to that end.
Mr. President,
(The engagement by AMISOM)
The role of AMISOM is significant for protecting the TFG and maintaining security in Mogadishu. In this regard, we pay tribute to the troop-contributing countries, Burundi and Uganda, for their dedication and commitment. Japan also appreciates the efforts by the AU and IGAD to achieve the mandated AMISOM troop level of 8000, as authorized by Security Council resolution 1910. In this context, we welcome the recent deployment of an additional battalion by Uganda, and hope that other countries who have pledged deployments will follow through.
We recognize that the steady implementation of UN logistical support to AMISOM is important in supporting the Mission’s work. In this regard, Japan is ready to continue consultations on the issue of AMISOM contingent-owned equipment, taking into account the courses of discussions in the Security Council in adopting relevant resolutions. We believe that this issue must be discussed as part of an integrated strategy, under which the strengthening of AMISOM will contribute to the political process in Somalia.
Mr. President,
(Support by the international community, including the UN)
The efforts by the TFG and AMISOM need to be reinforced by the support of the international community, including the United Nations. In this regard, Japan appreciates the engagement by Mr. Mahiga and the Secretariat to establish a light-footprint presence in Mogadishu. Japan further appreciates the continuing provision of humanitarian assistance under difficult circumstances.
Japan, on its own part, has been actively engaging in discussion on Somalia issues in the Security Council, the International Contact Group and other fora, and has provided assistance of 124.4 million US dollars since 2007, focusing on two pillars, humanitarian assistance and restoration of infrastructure, on the one hand, and strengthening of security in Somalia mainly through the Trust Funds in support of Somali Security Institutions and AMISOM, on the other. We are determined to continue our engagement to support Somalia, in cooperation with other countries.
I thank you, Mr. President.
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