Remarks by Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, U.S. Alternate Representative to the United Nations for Special Political Affairs, at a Security Council Session on Somalia (March 5, 2012)

Thank you, Mr. President, and welcome, Mr. Minister. We extend our congratulations to the United Kingdom for assuming the Council’s presidency and thank the delegation of Togo for its leadership of the Council last month. We thank the Secretary-General for his statement this morning, and thank you, Special Representative Mahiga, for your briefing.

Mr. President, Somalia stands at a critical moment. The international community has an important but limited window of opportunity. AMISOM and Somali forces have driven al Shabaab out of Mogadishu and other areas. The mandate of the Transitional Federal Government -- the TFG -- comes to an end in August 2012, and Somalia now has a blueprint for a state after twenty years without a functional government. At the same time, Somalia is emerging from the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

The TFG and the international community have already taken important steps. The unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 2036 on February 22, immediately followed by the London Conference on Somalia, show the international community is united in its commitment to Somalia’s future. I would like to thank the United Kingdom for hosting this important conference, and commend members of the Council for giving unanimous support to AMISOM’s expansion. AMISOM troop levels are now increasing and its funding needs have been established. The “Garowe II” constitutional conference has shown the way to more inclusive governance, with clear benchmarks, and UNPOS is established in Mogadishu.

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