United Nations Radio

The situation in Somalia remains volatile and the Djibouti process is yet to deliver the improvement in security.

That assessment comes from the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios.

He told a meeting of the UN Security Council Thursday the international community must therefore persevere in its common efforts and ensure sustained support to the peace process.

"UNPOS continues to advance preparations for an international Conference on assistance to Somalia to be held in the first quarter of 2009. The conference will focus on concrete ways to enhance the implementation of the Djibouti agreement on the ground. Three thematic areas are currently being developed for wider consultations with Somali parties and relevant international partners focusing on political, security and peace support."

Menkerios says a high-level steering group under the leadership of the UN Political Office in Somalia will be established in December to oversee preparations and advocacy efforts.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'17")