Somalia: UN political office extended for two more years

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has decided to renew the mandate of the Mogadishu-based United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) for two more years, according to documents made public today in New York.

"Given the important and essential role of UNPOS, it is my intention to continue its activities for the biennium 2002-2003, at the current resource level, 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," Mr. Annan said in a letter to the Security Council on 21 November.

Since its establishment in 1995, UNPOS has been assisting the Secretary-General's efforts to promote peace in Somalia through contacts with Somali leaders, civic bodies and the States and organizations concerned, and through reports to UN Headquarters about the situation in the country.

In the period following September 1999, the UN Office also supported the initiative by Djibouti that led to the formation of the Transitional National Government of Somalia, which the Secretary-General calls "an important milestone in the search for peace and reconciliation."

The Security Council took note of Mr. Annan's decision concerning the Office in a letter also dated 21 November.