Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Civic Reconstruction in Somalia.

Helen Keogh

Question:

43 Ms. Keogh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, which have been taken at international level to support the establishment of a provisional administration in Somalia, and to transform Operation Restore Hope into a long term process of civic reconstruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Ireland's primary concerns in Somalia have been to ensure that sufficient humanitarian assistance is provided to the suffering Somali population and that there is adequate security to ensure its distribution; and to give all possible support to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative in their efforts to promote national reconciliation of the different Somali factions.

Since the deployment of the Unified Task Force (UNITAF), under the authority of the Security Council and United States command, the security in urban areas has improved dramatically.

Discussions are currently taking place between the US and the UN on the transfer of responsibility from UNITAF to the UN Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II). The timing of this transfer will be decided by the UN Security Council when it receives a recommendation from the Secretary-General, which is expected soon.

Simultaneously, work has begun on the formation of a Somali national police force. This will be the first element of a return to normal conditions in the country.

One of the original objectives of the United Nations' involvement in Somalia was to promote national reconciliation. Under the aegis of the Secretary-General, Somali factions met last month in Addis Ababa. They agreed on a number of steps — interim government and administration, representative elections, etc. — that should be taken to restore normal life to Somalia. They also agreed to hold a national reconciliation conference in Mogadishu starting on 15 March. Unfortunately, according to recent reports from Mogadishu, the factions led by General Aidid and General Morgan have now withdrawn their agreement to the holding of the conference.

We will continue to work with our EC partners to urge all Somali factions to participate in the national reconciliation conference.

The Security Council will shortly decide, on the basis of the report by the Secretary-General on the UN's continuing role in the establishment of a new administration and in creating the conditions which will allow civic reconstruction to begin. An overall political settlement is essential to enable Somalia rebuild from the ruins of civil strife and famine and to underpin long-term development.