The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Francois Fall, takes note of the decision by the NGRC to postpone the National Reconciliation Congress (NRC) and expresses his hope that every efforts will be made to complete the preparatory phase.
Nairobi, 14 June 2007: The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Francois Fall, takes note of the decision by the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee (NGRC) to postpone the National Reconciliation Congress (NRC) to 15 July 2007. According to the Chairman of the NGRC the postponement is intended to allow more time for the selection of the delegates.
The NRC offers an opportunity for a process of genuine political reconciliation in Somalia. However, every effort now has to be made to ensure that the NRC will be inclusive, independent and transparent. The postponement gives additional time for necessary preparations, including consultations among the various Somali stakeholders on the reconciliation process.
A stable and conducive environment for the NRC has to be created to allow for a genuinely inclusive participation of all Somali stakeholders that renounce violence and agree to abide by the Transitional Federal Charter. The UN Special Representative expresses hope that during this preparatory period, all parties will be able to conclude a formal agreement on sustainable cessation of hostilities and thereby help create an enabling security environment for the convening of the NRC.
The UN Special Representative expresses his appreciation for contributions made to date in support of the NRC and encourages all to lend further assistance to allow the NRC to achieve its objectives.
For more information please contact: UN Political Office for Somalia(Nairobi, Kenya) Tel. +254 20 762 21 31 Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org