UN envoy calls for end of violence in Somalia www.chinaview.cn 26 Aug 09

NAIROBI, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The UN top envoy for Somalia has called on the Horn of Africa nation's warring parties to resolve their differences during the holy month of Ramadan and forge ahead with reconciliation efforts in a bid to pacify the country.

In a letter to the Somalis Diaspora made available on Wednesday, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN secretary general's special representative, also called for an end to armed violence in the country which has been without an effective central government for over two decades.

Ould-Abdallah said Ramadan was the time to renew spirits, faith and relationship with creator, and also with one another as Moslem brothers and sisters.

"This time of spiritual reflection is also a time for considering those less fortunate than ourselves," he said, adding that fighting continues to rage even though there are no more Ethiopian troops in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

"What reason is there now to continue fighting unless it is to capitalize on the insecurity for personal gains?" he asked. "What moral justification is there for instilling fear and terror in the population?"

The time has come, the envoy said, to "end this long conflict at home, that of Somalis fighting Somalis", stressing the need to seize the opportunity to bolster the country's fledgling government.

"We are all aware of the overcrowding and harsh conditions that these refugees must endure in exchange for security away from home," he said.

The UN envoy commended the efforts and generosity of host countries helping the Somalis in need, but added that the burden of responsibility should lie with the Somali elite communities who are in a position to help by bringing peace home.

"I particularly appeal to the Somali elite, inside and outside the country, who are fortunate enough to live with their families in comfortable, secure homes and with access to good schools to remember that only stability will end the long suffering of refugees and internally displaced persons," he said.

"It will also help you have, once again, a place to call proudly homeland. To that end, dialogue is better than the killing of Somalis by Somalis, "the envoy said.

Ould-Abdallah said the UN political office for Somalia will continue to plan several important developments on the way forward, saying some of those have since then taken place.

"I am saddened every time I read a media report that mentions the Somali conflict as spawning a terror threat that is spreading throughout the world. This affects all Somalis and those of you living in the Diaspora more so," he said.

"Even though you may have national passports from Western countries, you may still be seen as suspicious. To be presumed suspicious or a threat by the rest of world because of one's origin strips one of freedom and dignity. It is time to end this long conflict at home, that of Somalis fighting Somalis, " Ould-Abdallah said.

The UN envoy called on the authorities to address impunity, saying it was toxic and "leaves no soul unscathed", saying a society can not have peace, let alone prosper and develop without justice.

The UN envoy's letter came as insurgents have so far refused to recognize the government and have vowed to overthrow the administration and implement the strictest form of Sharia law.

Somalia has been without an effective government after former long-time ruler Mohammed Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991.