Security Council urges "constructive" reconciliation talks

The UN Security Council has called on Somalis to participate "constructively" in next month's national reconciliation conference. The conference - which should have been held in April - is due to take place on 15 October in the Kenyan town of Eldoret, after months of debate and postponements. Disagreement between the so-called "frontline states" - Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti - who had been tasked with laying the groundwork for the conference had led to the delays. The conference is being sponsored by the regional Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Security Council President Stefan Tafrov on Tuesday said Council members reaffirmed their “united and firm” support for the Somali reconciliation process. "Council members strongly urged the parties, including representatives from different regions, in accordance with the framework established by IGAD, to participate constructively at the conference," he said. Members also stressed the need for humanitarian aid personnel to be allowed safe access to help needy people.