June 2, 2006 (8:25 p.m. EDT)
No. 61

STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY ON THE POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN SOMALIA AND ITS HUMANITARIAN IMPACT

Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Peter MacKay today expressed concern about the recent upsurge in fighting between opposing political militia factions in Mogadishu, and the resulting deterioration in the humanitarian situation:

“Canada condemns the recent fighting in Mogadishu and its impact on civilian populations. We call for an immediate ceasefire and urge all sides to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the full protection of aid workers and their safe, unimpeded access to those in need. We also call for the end of the occupation of a major hospital operated by the Somali Red Crescent Society.

“Canada supports the ongoing international efforts to bring an end to the fighting, including initiatives by the United Nations Security Council—most recently in its strong and comprehensive statement of May 31, 2006—and by the UN Special Representative for Somalia. We also applaud ongoing efforts by international and local humanitarian organizations to continue to try to provide assistance.

“I urge all parties in Somalia to work toward achieving a lasting peace, security, and reconciliation and reconstruction, and to address the country’s chronic food security challenges. These objectives can best be realized through the extension and consolidation of the authority of the Somali Transitional Federal Government, which is supported by the United Nations and the African Union.

“I would also like to applaud the positive contribution that the Canadian Somali community continues to make to the process of peace and to humanitarian assistance in Somalia.”

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