31 January 2004
U.S. Commends Signing of Somalia Peace Agreement
Urges Somalis of influence to do all within their power to keep momentum going
The United States has commended the January 29 agreement by influential Somalis to establish a new national parliament in Somalia and begin the process of electing a president.
"By signing this agreement, the Somalis have demonstrated their ability to overcome differences, increase their capacity to formulate workable compromises and begin reaching out to former adversaries in the interest of providing a way forward for the Somali people," State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said in a January 31 statement.
Following is the Boucher statement:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
January 31, 2004
Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Somalia Peace Agreement
The United States commends the signing of an agreement by influential Somalis to establish a new national parliament in Somalia and begin the process of electing a president. By signing this agreement, the Somalis have demonstrated their ability to overcome differences, increase their capacity to formulate workable compromises and begin reaching out to former adversaries in the interest of providing a way forward for the Somali people.
Somali citizens have suffered a great deal since the collapse of the central government in 1991. The United States welcomes the efforts of influential Somalis in forming a new central government and in working together to improve the quality of life for all Somalis. Although the January 29 signing was a significant event, it is just one critical step in what will still be a long and difficult process. We urge Somalis of influence to do all within their power to ensure that momentum is not lost.
The United States also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly the recent efforts of the President and Government of Kenya and Ugandan President Museveni in reaching this agreement. We hope that all international observers will continue to play a positive role in this Somali peace process and support sustainable peace in Somalia.
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
