CFSP Statement
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Somalia

Date of release : 06-04-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

The EU strongly urges all parties inside the Transitional Institutions and outside, to immediately refrain from any further hostilities and armed confrontations, on all fronts, and return to dialogue as the basis for consensus and compromise.

The EU insists that inclusiveness and reconciliation remain the two pillars for the peace process and must be restored immediately as the institutions are transitional in nature and decisions must remain consensual and based on compromise. Insufficient consensus over important issues such as security and relocation will only result in the creation of divisions derailing the successful outcome of the IGAD-led peace Conference, and shaking the confidence of the International Community on the nascent Transitional Institutions. In this regard, the constant search for consensus should not be hindered by unreasonable pre-conditions or rigid positions.

The EU recalls that its readiness to support the transition process has been determined by the inclusive approach which has led to a successful conclusion of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference.

The EU advocates for immediate dialogue among all concerned parties within the Transitional Institutions with a view to the Council of Ministers and Parliament reaching an agreement on a new comprehensive proposal on relocation and security which could include the following elements:

a. Reviewing the Mogadishu Plan by consultation and incorporating its operational elements into an inclusive national TFG relocation plan.  In this regard, it is imperative to ensure independent monitoring and verification of progress at all stages of implementation, including prospects for DDR.

b. Conclusions of the 24th IGAD Council of Ministers on Somalia of 19th March 2005 on Phase One of the deployment of IGASOM and the EU suggests that phase one should be of adequate duration and take into account modalities acceptable to all parties as well as the need to train Somali security forces. EU encourages continued planning under an AU coordinated framework.

c. Proposals for temporary operational sites for the Transitional institutions until the security situation in the capital is adequately addressed and taking into account the concerns of all parties.

d. Planning for ceasefire and disengagement on a countrywide basis.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.