Mogadishu still too dangerous for UN, Annan says

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said the security situation in Mogadishu is still too uncertain for a long-term UN security presence in the Somali capital. In a report to the Security Council, Annan stated that Somalia remained one of the most dangerous environments in which the UN operates. "Security conditions for United Nations staff vary radically from place to place and are difficult to predict," he said. "In particular, the security situation in Mogadishu does not allow for a long-term United Nations presence...Under these circumstances, a comprehensive peace-building programme cannot yet be launched in Somalia." "The lack of a single authority through which the United Nations can engage within Mogadishu and the continued closure of the air and sea ports do not bode well for an increased United Nations presence there," he added. But, he said, UN programmes would be expanded through humanitarian and development projects, as well as specific peace-building activities such as community-based initiatives, reduction of small arms, police training and quick impact projects to improve security. Annan said although the Security Council had noted that the Arta peace process, which brought in the Transitional National Government (TNG), was the most viable basis for peace and reconciliation in Somalia, this process was currently "incomplete". Reconciliation was "stymied", and there was also a divergence of views among members of the regional grouping, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is trying to promote peace and reconciliation in Somalia. Elsewhere in the country, Annan said a recent UN security assessment mission had noted improved security conditions in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, Bay, Bakool and the Middle Shabelle regions. "Authorities in Middle Shabelle and 'Somaliland' cited a double standard, expressing the opinion that while they had brought a degree of stability to their areas, they had not received as much assistance as the Transitional National Government," he said. Annan described the humanitarian situation in Somalia as "perilous". "It is clear that the international community must increase its programmes of assistance to Somalia in creative and innovative ways, wherever the security situation allows," he said. However, he expressed "cautious optimism" that a way forward could be found in the national reconciliation process. "This will require political will on the part of the Somali political leaders and the sustained encouragement and support of Somalia's immediate neighbours and of the wider international community," Annan said.