UN officials welcome election of new President of Somalia

Culminating a two-year negotiation process, Abdullahi Yusuf has been elected as the transitional president of Somalia - a move welcomed today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan and members of the United Nations Security Council, who all said it marks an important step towards the reestablishment of peace and stability in Somalia.

Reacting to Mr. Yusuf's election Sunday by the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia, a spokesman for Mr. Annan reiterated the UN's readiness "to do its utmost to support the return of normalcy and good governance in Somalia" and urged all Somalis to "be part of the effort to restore peace and security in their country."

Both the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council said they looked forward to the formation in the near future of a transitional federal government for Somalia.

The two officials also commended the efforts of those involved in the negotiation process, particularly Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, his Government as well as other members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Delivering the Council's press statement, Ambassador Adam Thomson of the United Kingdom, which holds the 15-member body's rotating presidency for the month, said it would hold consultations on Somalia on 26 October. The Secretary-General is due to submit a report to the Council before that date.