Tuesday, September 18, 2012
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) has hailed the successful conclusion of the transition in Somalia, according to a statement released by the AU on Tuesday.
The statement said that at AU's 334th meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, the Council welcomed the successful conclusion of the transition in Somalia, which culminated with the election, on Sept. 10, of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new President of Somalia.
The Council also noted with satisfaction the inauguration of the president in Mogadishu on Sept. 16, in the presence of representatives of the countries of the region and other foreign dignitaries including Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission.
It also commended the outgoing President, Sheikh Shariff Ahmed, for having gracefully conceded defeat and for his significant contribution to the peace and reconciliation process in his country.
The Council paid tribute to the Somali stakeholders for the commitment they have demonstrated to ensure the successful completion of the transition, which is of historical significance and ushers in a new political dispensation in Somalia.
In this respect, Council welcomed the adoption of a new interim Constitution, as well as the selection and establishment of a new Federal Parliament. Council urged the Somali stakeholders to stay the course, in order to consolidate the tremendous progress they have achieved, building on the continued positive evolution of the situation on the ground.
It reiterated its deep appreciation to AMISOM and the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs/PCCs), as well as to the Somali national security forces for their courage and sacrifices, which created the enabling environment for the advancement of the political process.
The Council acknowledged with appreciation the critical role that the region, in particular the Inter - Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC), and the rest of the international community, have played in the results achieved so far.
The Council reiterated AU's commitment to continue extending all possible support to help the Somali people and stakeholders consolidate the peace and reconciliation process, and successfully carry forward the reconstruction of their country.
The Council appealed to all AU member states and partners to enhance their assistance to Somalia to enable it meet the even more demanding and complex tasks ahead, in line with the priorities set by the new Somali government.