YouSaid · the spoken record

President Ahmed

lines on the record: 38
first: 2004-11-19
most recent: 2012-05-15
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Before concluding, I would therefore like to invite all States and countries that pledged contributions to alleviate the burden on the Somali people, who are in dire need of assistance, to fulfil their pledges. I thank them for their commitment and for the assistance they extended to us during the crisis. We hope that the outstanding aid and assistance will be forthcoming, along with continued support to enable those in need to resume their activities and a standard of living appropriate to people living in the twenty-first century. I also hope that they will help us to rebuild our damaged infrastructure and to restore all the services our citizens need. In conclusion, I would like to extend all thanks and appreciation to the members of the Council and to wish them success.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“The British Government led by David Cameron deserves our thanks and appreciation for organizing and managing the Conference. We hope that it will pursue its efforts to bring peace to Somalia, and we extend our thanks and appreciation to all States, international and regional organizations and personalities who attended the Conference. We urge them to maintain their commitment to achieving peace 12-33979 in Somalia and to attend the conference to be held in Turkey next month. The international community, through its international and regional organizations, played an effective role in the delivery of aid and humanitarian assistance to those affected by famine and drought in Somalia last year.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“They should not be exposed to the risk of neglect and oblivion. The foregoing is a mere drop in a sea of turbulent waves and represents only a small part of the larger task that the Somali people face at this critical transitional juncture. We believe that the Council is well aware of the deteriorating situation in our country, and of its own responsibility for protecting the Somali people and their fundamental freedoms. I hope that I am not being overly optimistic in saying that the Somali people, who are an integral part of human society, believe that the international community will not leave them bleeding and that the eyes of the world are upon them, in particular following the recent London Conference, which was attended by representatives of 55 countries, with a positive outcome that showed genuine sympathy with the Somali people.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“Further, international bodies and organizations and the international community in general should be invited to contribute to reconstruction in Somalia and to work to reactivate economic institutions and services in the country. Continued support for the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia should include an increase in their numbers and military assets in order to improve their combat efficiency and enable them to address the Al-Shabaab terrorist movement, which recently announced its complete merger with Al-Qaida. Financial support should be provided to local administrations that have been established in areas newly liberated from Al-Qaida. Current members of Parliament should receive their allowances and salaries to compensate them for the service they have provided to the nation during their term of office.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“These movements will be difficult to eradicate from the region unless concerted international efforts are made to address them. Without effective security forces able to impose law and order and to act as a powerful deterrent to criminals and aggressors of the innocent and defenceless, it will not be possible to protect fundamental freedoms and human rights in a country rampant with gangs of pirates and terrorist movements that are killing innocent citizens and imposing ransom and royalties on commercial ships crossing international waters. That will not be possible unless the Council allows the Somali Government to import the necessary weapons for the security services and lift the arms embargo that has been imposed on it.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“We must promote reconciliation conferences to preserve the national unity of Somalia and comprehensive peace throughout Somali territory. We must take a firm stand against those who would hinder the achievement of peace in Somalia, including those destructive individuals who would fish in troubled waters and act to return the country to the years of loss and fighting. We must support the building of a Somali army capable of protecting the homeland and its independence and territorial integrity. We must strengthen national security and train the police forces and national intelligence officers, arming them with up-to-date security equipment and qualifying them to undertake the responsibilities entrusted to them. We must develop a comprehensive plan to address the terrorist movements that are stepping up their activities in Somalia.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“It is essential that Somalia be stable, safe and free of chaos and violence if it is to rebuild its infrastructure and Government institutions and to select Government officials and administrators to manage the various governorates and the training of cadres capable of managing the Government bodies, business services, hospitals and schools, and of undertaking other tasks necessary to serve the members of the Somali people. We therefore expect the Security Council to support us in the following tasks. We must politically and economically strengthen the work of the Constituent Assembly assigned to ratify the new constitution by providing the financial means necessary for the success of its work. In this task, we have received none of the anticipated international assistance.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“My country, which suffered a long period of chaos and instability after the collapse of the constitutional institutions and administrative services, needs today to make further efforts to revive its institutions so that they may perform their vital functions and serve the people of Somalia. I believe that the current stage is conducive to the re-establishment of these institutions and that the conditions exist to justify these efforts following the defeat of Al-Qaida in Somalia and given the growing international interest in developing our institutions as well as the readiness of our people to participate in making these institutions perform the desired functions. The next stage will require us to create the appropriate climate for this work.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“The management of the country will be in the hands of the Somali people in a democratic society where everyone is equal and no one is marginalized. We draw the Council's attention to the fact that we are on the threshold of a new phase. We have come a long way in the implementation of the road map. We need the international community to redouble its efforts to assist us in completing the current stage on time so as not to open an opportunity for the return of anarchy and terrorism, to safeguard the achievements made to date, and to justify the money that has been spent and the blood shed to get where we are.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“The parliament must be ready to choose a new president in order to form a Government of national unity composed of qualified men and women able to manage the key components of the State with competence and wisdom, distributing our national resources equally to all members of society on the basis of the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State. In addition to the steps we have already taken, we would like to assure Council members once again that the process of reconciliation through negotiation has begun between the Government and the people of the north in order to reach an agreement ending the dispute with our brothers who have sought to secede unilaterally. We will pursue these efforts until the waters are calm and national cohesion is restored, returning the situation in Somalia to what it once was.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“I assure the Council that the draft constitution is responsive to the interests of the Somali people and in line with Islamic principles, traditions, systems and norms. Following its approval by the Constituent Assembly, the draft will be reviewed and subsequently voted on. I left Mogadishu as the leaders of Somali clans continued to meet with a view to selecting 825 representatives who are trusted by all the Somali clans to ratify the draft constitution of the Somali Republic. Today, after all these efforts, we commit ourselves before the international community and affirm that we mean to pave the way for the selection of a national parliament representing all sectors of Somali society, including the clergy, youth, women and children.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“The draft constitution is the result of eight years of painstaking efforts sustained by Somali and international experts to draft its provisions and study its contents, with the aim of making it a comprehensive text that takes the interests of Somalia into account and responds to its requirements and current situation. The new draft constitution is not the result of happenstance or emotion, but has emerged from the aspirations of the Somalis, who continue to await the end of the transitional system and a return to the regular system of governance. We hope and believe that the constitution is one of the best in the world in form and substance. It is the outcome of the deliberations of Somali scientists and specialists, supervised by committees of the clergy and senior citizens.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“It has returned the smile to the faces of Somali children, exhausted by war and constant sedition, having expelled those who sowed the seeds of discord and internal disputes. The Transitional Federal Government appreciates the importance of the transition to normalcy through the implementation of the policies set down in the road map, outlining the development of a permanent constitution for the country and its ratification by clan leaders, intellectuals, members of the diaspora, social organizations for young women, and community members entitled to participate in its ratification.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“Priority was given to a total of 15 reconciliation conferences held in neighbouring countries, culminating in the fourth Djibouti Peace Conference in 2009. That 12-33979 gave rise to the formation of this Government in order to achieve lasting peace and prosperity, as well as the well-being and comprehensive development of its citizens. The Government of the Somali Republic, which receives the support and assistance of the international community, has withstood the blows of its opponents among Al-Qaida, Al-Shabaab and international terrorists. It has succeeded in expelling them from most of the country and has regained control in many regions. Today, it administers its own affairs and engages in reconstruction.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“That forced Somalis to emigrate and live in camps in neighbouring and other countries, or to become internally displaced persons. Our people placed their hope in their Government and the international community, in anticipation of a new dawn of security and safety emerging. Our people, who suffered the worst acts of violence and frequent crises, did not yield to the violence and oppression, but continued to seek a peaceful solution that was satisfactory to all. It strove for the formation of a national unity Government in order to lead the country to the security and stability it deserves and to unite all sectors of Somali society, without isolating any party from the other national groups.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“Its courageous decisions brought about the expulsion of Al-Qaida and Al-Shabaab from many areas that are now calm and stable after our Government received the support of AU forces, backed by the international community. I would be remiss if I did not thank all States and international and regional organizations that have contributed to alleviating the suffering of our citizens, who were in dire need of assistance in past years. Owing to the disorder and instability prevailing in the country, the terrorist movements of Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaida took the opportunity to launch a merciless war against the Somali people and committed crimes and atrocities in the name of jihad, under the guise of religion, which is completely opposed to such atrocities.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“My thanks and appreciation also go to United Nations Members, to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon - who, at international forums, underscores the importance of restoring security and stability in Somalia- and to the African Union (AU) countries that fully support the Somali Government and people. I would also like to thank the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which has issued resolute and successful decisions on the Somali issue. IGAD sent the finest young men to Somalia to stand by our people and to protect innocent Somali citizens, as well as our independence, freedoms, fundamental rights and honour, which were being violated by the advocates of war, looting and chaos.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“I would like to start my statement by extending my thanks to the Security Council and by expressing our appreciation to it for its continued and vital support to achieving peace in Somalia. The visits by Council members to Djibouti in June 2008 and to Nairobi in May 2011 to look into and investigate the distressing events taking place in Somalia and efforts to bring about peace, as well as the relevant resolutions adopted by the Council on the same topic, clearly demonstrated the Council's determination to resolve the Somali issue. All those 2 endeavours reflect its good intentions and the pressing desire to restore security and stability in Somalia and to put an end to the suffering experienced by its people for nearly two decades.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“We have therefore joined others in this gathering today, despite the fact that members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development do not usually meet in the absence of a member unless the situation is especially dire. It is my hope that a strong decision will now be taken against the Eritrean regime.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“Furthermore, our embassies in Kenya and elsewhere became aware of certain financial transactions and that military advisers were being dispatched frequently to Somalia to train terrorist elements. They provided these elements with maps and logistical support, and engaged in attacks on the Transitional Federal Government and the African Union forces in my country. Somalia has no problem whatsoever with Eritrea, but the Eritrean regime insists on terrorizing my people. We have repeatedly tried to overcome the problem through diplomacy and dialogue, which have been rejected. I do not believe that any State in the world besides Eritrea has declared its support for those terrorist organizations. We truly regret the plight of the Eritrean people, but the interests of my country and our neighbours are being harmed by the Eritrean regime.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“We have tried to resolve our problems with Eritrea by reaching out to some of its friends, including the late Muammar Al-Qadhafi, who called on Eritrea repeatedly to leave Somalia alone and to encourage Al-Shabaab and Hassan Dahir Awey's group to seek reconciliation with the Government so that the situation can calm down. His appeal was explicitly rejected. We have also sought to meet with Eritrea in the context of a conference of the Sahel countries, but Eritrea failed to attend. When I was elected in 2009, I contacted Muammar Al-Qadhafi and asked him to mediate in order to suppress incipient problems and to convince the President of Eritrea not to intervene in my country. Mr. Al-Qadhafi informed me that his efforts had been 3 rebuffed, and that the Eritrean President told him clearly that reconciliation with my country was impossible.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“That shows that the Eritrean regime has the ability to deliver assistance that is used by Al-Shabaab directly from Asmara to Somalia. It is also well known that Somalia has no direct borders with Eritrea, and has not had bad relations with Eritrea in the past. In the current circumstances, however, we are suffering from the activities of Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaida and of those providing them with material support from Eritrea. I recall that, on 22 May 2009, Hassan Dahir Aweys himself took to the media to thank the Republic of Eritrea for its direct support. The Afwerki regime is the only one that does not recognize this Government. The Eritrean Minister of information has declared that he has no objection to this Government.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“Allow me to greet all members of the Security Council and your presidency, Sir, and we thank you for having given us this opportunity to speak. The Security Council knows how much the Somali people are suffering from terrorist groups. The Somali Government has, as far as possible, tried to reconcile with those groups. However, the support that they receive from the Eritrean regime has prevented reconciliation. The Council is also aware of our previous relations with President Afwerki. We know that he has no desire to promote calm in the region until he has fulfilled his own expectations and ambitions. Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaida receive political, logistical and financial support from the Eritrean Government. Such support arrives by sea and air. It is known that Hassan Dahir Aweys himself was in Asmara. He then moved to Somalia by aeroplane.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“Finally, the prevalence of pirates off the Somali coast is hampering international trade and international marine safety and navigation. As Somalia cannot at the moment guard its long coastline, we would want to authorize the international community to take action to combat piracy on Somalia's high seas until we can effectively undertake the security of our territorial waters.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“Security is of paramount importance to any country of the world, and it is a prerequisite for the rest of the priorities to which I have referred. The lack of security in Somalia is compounded by the continuation of the United Nations embargo. The Security Council must assist the efforts of the Transitional Federal Government in the stabilization of the country by, first, reviewing the merits of the arms embargo on Somalia and promptly lifting it; secondly, authorizing the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force with a mandate to help Somalia to achieve fuller reconciliation, stabilization, disarmament and durable peace; and, thirdly, helping Somalia in the formation of the security organs of the Government, such as the police, military and other security forces.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“Furthermore, I would like to formally restate at this meeting of the Security Council that I am for peace and reconciliation in Somalia. My only purpose in leading Somalia during this critical period of our history is to bring peace and lawfulness back to my country. I would like to state categorically that I want to witness the renaissance of Somalia as a progressive democratic State at peace with itself, with its neighbours and with the rest of the world. I am willing to do whatever it takes to promote peace and stability in my country. The third basic and important ingredient of providing security is where we have not performed well, and it is where we cannot make progress without significant support from the international community.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“The solution to the problem in Somalia therefore has three basic but important ingredients, namely, re-establishing the collapsed Somali State, furthering the reconciliation process and stabilizing the situation and providing security. On reconciliation, we conducted the largest reconciliation congress in the history of Somalia. The National Reconciliation Congress, which was held in Mogadishu, was attended by close to 3,000 delegates and attracted many more peace-loving Somalis to the city. The National Reconciliation Congress produced corrective solutions in government affairs and a road map to a fair and free election that would lead Somalia to a democratic transition in 2009. In addition, the Transitional Federal Government has time and again shown a willingness to talk to those who oppose our Government.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“It is my considered judgement that Somalia once again needs courageous intervention of this body to intervene in the situation in Somalia by urgently sending an international force to assist the Transitional Federal Government in implementing its peace and stabilization plan. The conflict in Somalia, which was once among clans, is today about extreme ideology and predatory economic and commercial interests. The conflict is in fact between those who want to live free in peace and harmony under democratic governance and those who espouse violence and want to keep Somalia in the status quo of lawlessness and anarchy.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“President Ahmed: It is my pleasure to be here at this special meeting of the Security Council. I am grateful to those who brought about our gathering here today to debate the important issue of strengthening the relationship between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm Somalia's appreciation and its approval of the Security Council, which has taken a consistent and laudable role at each juncture of Somalia's civil strife and State failure. The Security Council, as all may remember, had the resolve and the political will to invoke the morally compelling doctrine of humanitarian intervention, thereby successfully reversing a disastrous famine that could have potentially wiped out millions of Somalis.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“We know that our task is difficult, but that we are ready to face those difficulties, and we are sure that Somalia will be at peace as soon as possible.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“President Ahmed: Our Prime Minister will answer the questions posed by the Philippines. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, as well as the members of the Security Council, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) ministers and other officials, and I would like to express our delegation's satisfaction at having participated in this two-day Security Council meeting in Nairobi on the Somali situation and how to solve Somali problems. I assure you, Mr. President, along with the rest of the Council, that I myself and the Government of Somalia will do our utmost so that Somalia will be at peace as soon as possible. We are determined to do whatever we can, because our country needs peace and reconstruction.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“President Ahmed: I would like to hear the questions of the Council members. If I have specific questions, I will be able to answer positively.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“It is not expected that the Somali Government will generate revenue for some time. There is an urgent need for financial resources for the Government to function. I would like to request the Council to take the necessary measures to provide the financial and diplomatic support that is urgently needed. In conclusion, your support is critical.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation and thanks to member States of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for their historic contribution to the success of the reconciliation process. We make a solemn promise to our IGAD brothers that we will work tirelessly to maintain peace in Somalia. Special thanks go to all IGAD partners in this forum that have contributed to this endeavour. All the above-mentioned tasks required to bring about peace and security to Somalia would need substantial resources. The deployment of peace-making forces from brotherly countries and the creation of a national security force will require funding from the international community. Therefore, I would like to appeal to the members of the Security Council to take the necessary steps to raise the funding required.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“We made a formal request to the African Union for a stabilization force, composed of 15,000 to 20,000 troops. The deployment of such a force is no way intended to impose the Government's will by force, and the necessary parliamentary approval will be sought by the Government at the right moment. Concurrently, we need a national security force composed of 20,000 to 30,000 troops, both police and army. They will be recruited, trained and equipped to take over from the peace-making force at the appropriate time. There are many regions in Somalia that live in relative peace. A new Somali Government will work hard to maintain and further peace and stability in those areas. The Somali Government requests the assistance of the international community in sustaining reconciliation and reconstruction throughout the country.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“However, this new Government possesses no trained army, no organized police or any other security personnel at the moment. Based on past experience, it is incumbent upon the new Government to prepare a detailed plan for the mobilization and deployment of a stabilization force and the rehabilitation of the demobilizing militias. The Government is working on the two main objectives of consolidating reconciliation talks with the armed groups and realizing a tangible peace-building plan. I would like to reassure the Council that adequate preparations will be taken to ensure the success of the above-mentioned plans. In this context, we request the Council to take the necessary steps to phase in a peace- building mission, including the deployment of a stabilization force in Somalia, in the most immediate future.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“We are equally thankful for the Council's continued interest in Somalia, and in particular for its support to the Somali national reconciliation process. The will of the Somali people was manifested in the current all-inclusive political settlement and the creation of the national federal Government. The leaders of the armed factions are included in the new Parliament. We request the international community to assist us in making sure that these leaders abide by their commitments and national obligations. We have succeeded in bringing about a political settlement and we are in the process of establishing the basic institutions of governance. However, the most difficult challenges lie ahead. Restoration of peace and security throughout Somalia is one of the first challenges of the new Somali Government.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source
“President Ahmed: Allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your recent assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I have no doubt as to your able leadership and wisdom in guiding the deliberations of the Security Council to a fruitful conclusion. I wish also to extend my thanks to your predecessor for the excellent manner in which he presided over the Council last month. I am very glad that the Security Council is seized of the Somali issue. I wish also to take note of the appeal of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, which is contained in his report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of sustainable development in Africa. In that regard, I should like to commend the proactive engagement of the Security Council in conflict-prone areas of Africa. Let me encourage the Council to continue and further that engagement.”
2004-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5083 (2004) · source