The Presidency of the European Union views with grave concern the recent fighting in Mogadishu. It condemns in the strongest terms the shooting down of a plane that was under way on behalf of the African peace mission in Somalia (AMISOM). It calls upon all parties to end the fighting immediately.
The Presidency of the European Union emphasizes the urgent need to respect the ceasefire agreement concluded between the Ethiopian Army and the Hawiye Clan in Mogadishu on 22 March.
The EU reiterates its support for the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) as the only legitimate authorities in Somalia and calls upon the TFI leadership, as well as on all parties concerned, to exercise maximum restraint
Peace and stability in Somalia are closely linked to progress in political dialogue and reconciliation. The EU urges the Transitional Federal Government(TFG) to reach out to all Somalis of good will, in a spirit of national reconciliation, and to launch a genuine National Reconciliation congress. The European Union stands ready to support the process both financially and politically. An inclusive political and institutional process, based on the Transitional Federal Charter, should fully engage civil society and all key stakeholders, including clan elders, Islamic leaders, representatives of the business community, civil society and women.
A favourable environment for the congress can only be achieved by political means. The Presidency of the European Union urges the TFI, all other parties in Somalia and the states in the region to refrain from any action that could jeopardise the prospects for success of dialogue and reconciliation.
