Thank you, Mr. President. The United States is pleased to have voted in favor of renewing the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.
This is a crucial time for Somalia, and we believe this mandate will further UNSOM’s efforts to support the Somali Federal Government as it addresses serious challenges including responding to an unprecedented drought, reconciliation among the National Government and Federal Member States, completing the review of the Federal Constitution, and achieving debt relief.
We are also encouraged that this resolution incorporated recommendations from UNSOM’s strategic review, including further coordination between ATMIS, UNSOS, and the UN Country Team, and other multilateral and bilateral partners.
The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms, the October 29 terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, the Federal Government of Somalia and the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Finally, the United States expresses its deep appreciation to SRSG Jim Swan for his leadership and years of service in Somalia. We are very grateful for his dedicated service in UNSOM and Somalia at such a challenging time.
Thank you.
Original source can be found here.
