Divisions among Somali leaders persist as peace talks enter final stage - Annan

Divisions among Somali leaders persist, even as the reconciliation process gears up for its third and final phase of negotiating the formation of an all-inclusive government, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report.

In his latest report to the Security Council on political and humanitarian conditions in Somalia since February, Mr. Annan notes that some leaders have absented themselves from the ongoing Somalia National Reconciliation Conference at Mbagathi, Kenya, alleging insufficient representation.

They have also protested the role of some Frontline States at the Conference, which is organized under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Mr. Annan reminds the Somali leaders that, "the final results will be only as good as the substantive agreement reached by the Somalis themselves on the structures of future governance and their commitment to abide by the obligations they have accepted."

He stresses that the future of the reconciliation process continues to rest largely in Somali hands, and that the international community can only assist the Somali efforts and commitment to end years of conflict and deprivation. He also calls on all parties to refrain from hostilities and acts likely to increase tension at this final stage.

To handle the persistent problems relating to representation at the Conference, Bethuel Kiplagat, the Secretary-General's envoy for Somalia, has under taken several initiatives, including setting up an arbitration committee whose 15 members comprise three persons from each clan, the report says.

On the humanitarian front, Mr. Annan says the Somali people continue to struggle with chronic food insecurity, poverty, disease, drought and severely limited educational and employment opportunities. He says it is imperative for the international community to enhance access to basic services and support peace building efforts.

"Without increased and sustained donor commitment, the outlook for Somalia remains grim," Mr. Annan warns. "Any reduction in existing efforts, both for short-term relief and for the medium-to-long term, could upset the precarious balance achieved, with devastating effects, particularly on women and children."