TBD
Security Council imposes sanctions against Eritrea
The Security Council has imposed sanctions against Eritrea because of its support for armed groups which are destabilizing Somalia.
Ruhakana Rugunda
In a resolution adopted by 13 votes in favour, with Libya voting against and China abstaining, the Council bans weapons sales to and from Eritrea.
It also imposes travel restrictions on the country's political and military leadership and freezes their assets.
Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda of Uganda, who voted in favour of the resolution, recalled that in July the African Union called for the imposition of sanctions against those who are undermining peace efforts in Somalia.
He commended the Security Council's positive response to the African Union's call.
"The measures imposed by this resolution are not comprehensive but targeted and corrective. It is my delegation's hope that Eritrea will take the necessary action to enable the Council to make a positive review of the measures it has imposed today."
The Representative of Libya said the resolution adopted is too hasty and that sanctions are not the ideal way of resolving the current problem of Somalia.
China said the Security Council should act prudently in imposing sanctions, adding that the imposition of sanctions against Eritrea should not replace diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue.
Jocelyne Sambira, UN Radio.
(duration: 1'29")
