UN political office to stay on

The United Nations Secretary-General has ordered an extension of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia's (UNPOS) to run for a further two years. In a letter to the Security Council dated 21 November, Kofi Annan said, "Given the importance and essential role of UNPOS, it is my intention to continue its activities for the biennium 2002-2003, pending an improvement in the security situation that would allow me to submit a proposal for the establishment of a peace-building office in Somalia." UNPOS was first established in 1995, charged with assisting the Secretary-General's efforts to promote peace in Somalia through contacts with Somali leaders and civic bodies. UNPOS also supported the Djibouti-led Arta peace process, which last year led to the establishment of a Transitional National Government for Somalia, believed by regional analysts to represent the most viable opportunity to date of restoring peace and security to Somalia.