-The UN Security Council authorized a regional peace force for Somalia in December 2006. Importantly, an effective regional force could replace the controversial Ethiopian military presence in Somalia, in support of the transitional federal government, endorsed by the international community (UN, AU, IGAD). UN Security Council resolution 1725 asks all Member States to provide support, economic and otherwise, to make such an effective mission possible. We call on the Government of Norway to take the lead in this matter, in the capacity of chairing the International Somalia Contact Group. Also Somalia deserves that an adopted UN policy is actually implemented, special advisor Geir Sjøberg says.

The plight of the Somali people continues. Central and southern parts of Somalia have remained in a lawless state of anarchy since the collapse of the country in 1991. Despite the immense suffering of the Somali people and the country’s importance in international affairs (regional stability, humanitarian crises, refugee issues, proliferation of arms, incidents of piracy, possible terrorism), Somalia continues to face insecurity, internal tension, extremist elements and destructive foreign interference from various corners.

Special advisor Geir Sjøberg argues the case in Norwegian newspaper Vårt Land and on Norwegian national public radio earlier this week.