The UN Security Council called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday to continue contingency plans to deploy a possible UN peacekeeping operation in strife-torn Somalia and to relocate its political office from neighboring Kenya.
In a resolution adopted unanimously, council members deplored the deteriorating humanitarian situation inside Somalia, which has not had a functioning national government since 1991, and called on Ban and the international community to therefore intensify their efforts to promote political reconciliation in the country.
The resolution asked Ban to continue plans for a UN peace force to succeed the current African Union operation, known as AMISOM, "taking account of all relevant conditions on the ground, and considering additional options for the size, configuration, responsibility and proposed area of operation, depending on different conditions on the ground."
It also reiterates earlier calls on member states to provide the funding, personnel, equipment and services for the full deployment of AMISOM as part of efforts to facilitate the withdrawal of other foreign forces from Somalia and to help create the conditions necessary for lasting peace and stability.
The resolution called on Ban to strengthen existing efforts to better coordinate the operations of UN and other humanitarian agencies in Somalia to try to help resolve issues relating to access, security and the provision of relief.
It also presses States and regional organizations to take action to protect shipping involved in the transport and delivery of humanitarian aid. Piracy has been a persistent problem off the coast of Somalia.
Source:Xinhua
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