There are some differences in Security Council on Somalia: South Africa
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South African Representative Speaks on Somalia
There have been differences in the Security Council on what has to be done to help the transitional government of Somalia, according to the Deputy Representative of South Africa to the United Nations.
Doctor Mashabane spoke to reporters on Wednesday after the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the extension of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Mr. Mashabane said that a few members of the Council did not support the African Union's request that a United Nations special support package should include a maritime component.
"Clearly we had more than 10 members of the Security Council supporting this request by the African Union. It was unfortunate that no agreement was reached. The second one was on the arms embargo. The President and the government of Somalia have made a request that there be an easing of the arms embargo for purposes of the strengthening and the building of the Somali national security forces, something which the African Union also has made a request to the Security Council to consider. On that issue also there was no agreement by a few members of the Council." (Duration: 29")
The South African diplomat said that there is also no agreement on the funding of AMISOM which, he said, will soon dry up.
According to Mr. Mashabane, some members of the Council also objected to the idea that the Secretary-General should present to the Council alternative funding mechanisms and recommendations.
