HC Deb 25 January 1993 vol 217 cc514-5W
Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the talks between the different factions of southern Somalia; and if he will list(a) the positive decisions reached and (b) the issues that remain to be resolved.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

[holding answer 19 January 1993]: We have received regular reports on the recent meeting of Somali factions in Addis Ababa. The factions have agreed in principle:

  1. (i) on a cease fire;
  2. (ii) to hold a National Reconciliation Conference, probably on 15 March in Addis Ababa;
  3. (iii) on the establishment of an ad hoc committee to continue discussion, in particular over the participation and the agenda for reconciliation conference;
  4. (iv) on the disarmament of heavy weapons;
  5. (v) on the encampment of factional militias.

The agreement leaves key issues for discussion by an ad hoc committee. Conference attendance in particular is likely to be contentious. Implementation on the ground of the cease fire, disarmament and emcampment too will be a complex and difficult task.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the representatives who attended the meeting of Somali factions which ended on 13 January; and what assistance to the peace process was given by(a) the United Nations, (b) the United States of America, (c) the EC and (d) Britain.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

[holding answer 19 January 1993]: The recent meeting of Somali factions in Addis Ababa was arranged by the United Nations. We, the EC, and the United States have consistently supported the United Nations peace initiative in Somalia. The following representatives of Somali factions attend the meeting.

  1. 1. Somali Africans Muki Organisation (SAMO) Mr. Mohamed Ramadan Arbow, Chairman
  2. 2. Somali Democratic Alliance (SDA) Mr. Mohamed Farah Abudllahi, Chairman
  3. 3. Somali Democratic Movement (SDM)1 Mr. Abdi Muse Mayow, Chairman Colonel Mohamed Nur Aliyou, Chairman1
  4. 4. Somali National Democratic Union (SNDU) Mr. Ali Ismael Abdi, Chairman
  5. 5. Somali National Front (SNF) General Omar Hagi Mohamed Hersi, Chairman
  6. 6. Somali National Union (SNU) Dr. Mohamed Ragis Mohamed, Chairman
  7. 7. Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM)1 General Aden Abdillahi Noor, Chairman
  8. 8. Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM)1 Colonel Ahmed Omar Jess, Chairman
  9. 9. Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF) General Mohamed Abshir Musse, Chairman
  10. 10. Southern Somali National Movement (SSNM) Colonel Abdi Warsame Isaaq, Chairman
  11. 11. United Somali Congress (USC)1 General Mohamed Farah Aidid, Chairman
  12. 12. United Somali Congress (USC)1 Mr. Mohamed Qanyare Afrah, Chairman
  13. 13. United Somali Front (USF) Mr. Abdurahman Dualeh Ali, Chairman
  14. 14. United Somali Party (USP) Mr. Mohamed Abdi Hashi, Chairman
1 The USC, SPM and the SDM were divided into different factions owing different allegiances.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made to include the traditional elders in Somalia in the March negotiations and in relief and reconstruction plans; and what plans he has to reduce the role of the warlords.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We have made it clear to the United Nations that the reconciliation process and the development of rehabilitation plans must involve all sections of Somali society, particularly the traditional elders. Implementation of Security Council resolution 794 has reduced the ability of the warloads to hinder aid deliveries.

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