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Somalia

International community to discuss Somalia in Copenhagen

23.09.2011 12:00

The International Contact Group for Somalia (ICG) will meet in Copenhagen on 29-30 September 2011 to discuss the current political situation in Somalia and the process towards stabilisation and peace in the country. National, regional and international stakeholders - including representatives from Africa, Europe, US and regionale and international organizations - will participate in the discussions on the latest developments in Somalia and the implementation of the Road Map for ending the transitional process.

Over the past couple of months the focus of the international community has been on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. Ending the humanitarian crisis and stabilizing the volatile security situation in Somalia will only be possible through a long term political solution.

Denmark is hosting the next meeting of the International Contact Group for Somalia (ICG) which will take place in Copenhagen on 29-30 September 2011. The centerpiece of the meeting will be the so-called Road Map outlining the priority tasks, which include security, the constitution, reconciliation and good governance, to be accomplished over the coming 11 months. The meeting will also address key issues such as the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the present security situation and the withdrawal of Al Shabaab from Mogadishu as well as the continous challenge of piracy off the coast of Somalia.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, will chair the meeting which will bring together national, regional and international stakeholders, including the Somali Prime Minister Mr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. Mark Bowden.

Denmark’s engagement in Somalia covers a wide range of instruments, including development programmes, humanitarian assistance, support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as the chairmanship of the Working Group II on Legal Issues under the international Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia.

The meeting of the International Contact Group in Copenhagen will mark yet another important step in the joint efforts to secure a longlasting solution for Somalia.

For further information regarding Denmark's engagement in Somalia, please contact:
Mette Knudsen,
Head of Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Email: metknu@um.dk

For practical information on the ICG-meeting, press access or interview requests, please contact:
Marcus Carter Mathiasen,
Head of Section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Phone: +45 3392 0363 Email: marmat@um.dk