UN wants to do more in Somalia in 2008, says UN Coordinator on visit to Mogadishu

Nairobi, 12 March 2008

The United Nations Coordinator a.i. for Somalia, William Paton visited Somali capital Mogadishu yesterday and held meetings with Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein, key ministers and officials of the Somali Transitional Federal Government and NGOs, as well as touring parts of the war-damaged city.

Meetings with the Prime Minister and his government focused on how to improve humanitarian access across the country as well as on security concerns and development needs. Insecurity continues to hamper access by the UN and other organizations in both urban and rural areas.  Paton was cautiously optimistic in the wake of the discussions.

‘“The tone of the meetings was positive. I was happy to hear strong reaffirmation that we share a common goal of reaching those most in need, wherever they are, as well as a common understanding that security must be improved for us to achieve that goal. But serious difficulties remain.”

Last week Mr. Paton visited the Afgooye corridor on the road out of Mogadishu, where more than 200,000 people are living in camps after fleeing violence and insecurity in the capital.  The latest meetings come just over a week before the UN Security Council meets in New York to debate Somalia.

‘Aid organizations on the ground want to see member states come together and help create better conditions for their vital work.  We could achieve a lot more for Somali people if conditions were safer.’

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