Annan names team to assess needs of expert panel on Somalia sanctions

Responding to a request from the Security Council, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has named a two-member team of specialists in connection with the enforcement of UN sanctions against Somalia.

Ian Anthony, an expert on arms working for the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, and Harjit Singh Sandhu, an expert with Interpol investigative experience, will have 30 days to prepare an "action plan detailing the resources and expertise that the [proposed] Panel of Experts would require to be able to generate independent information violations and for improving the enforcement of the weapon and military equipment embargo," according to a letter from the Secretary-General to the Council President which was made public at UN Headquarters.

Under a Council resolution adopted earlier this month, the Panel of Experts would be charged with pursing "any sources that might reveal information related to violations, including relevant States, intergovernmental organizations and international law enforcement cooperation bodies, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions and intermediaries, other brokering agencies, civil aviation companies and authorities, members of the Transitional National Government, local authorities, political and traditional leaders, civil society and the business community."

The Security Council first imposed the arms embargo against Somalia in 1992 with a view to establishing peace and stability in the country.