SOMALIA: Swedish Foreign Ministry Statement
Following is the full text of a statement released by Swedish Foreign Ministry regarding the war in Mogadishu.
15 May 2006
Statement by Jan Eliasson on the situation in Mogadishu
I am greatly concerned about the fighting in Mogadishu in Somalia during the past week. These unacceptable acts of violence primarily affect the already suffering civilian population and have claimed the lives of a large number of people, including many children. We have today received reports of a ceasefire and I call therefore on all the groups involved in the fighting to respect the ceasefire and join the peace process. Sweden’s commitment to support the fragile peace and reconciliation process in Somalia will continue. We support the institutions that have been set up and can lead the country from chaos and conflict to peace and stability. I welcome the initiatives now being taken to encourage the groups involved in the fighting to join the political process for peace, reconciliation and reconstruction.Â
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Royal Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs