Security Council concerned with rising violence in Somalia

The United Nations Security Council called on all parties concerned in Somalia on Thursday to comply with the UN arms embargo and avoid any further destabilization.

"Members of the Security Council expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Somalia and we urged all countries to resume dialogue within the transitional federal institutions for the sake of the stability of the country and the safety of its people," Danish Ambassador to the UN Ellen Margrethe Loj told reporters.

"We also supported all reconciliatory efforts, particularly the efforts made by the African Union and IGAD (the Intergovernmental Authority for Development)," said Loj, whose country holds the council's presidency for June.

Loj's comments came after UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tuliameni Kalomoh briefed the council in a closed session on the latest fighting in Somalia.

Violence intensified in Somalia recently, with Islamic forces reported to have taken control of the capital, Mogadishu, after fierce battles with other groups.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative for Somalia, Francois Lonseny Fall, is scheduled to brief the council next week.

Source: Xinhua