Bernard Kouchner’s participation in the Conference on Reconstruction and Development in Somalia
Thailand
Bernard Kouchner’s participation in the Conference on Reconstruction and Development in Somalia (Istanbul, May 21 to 23, 2010)
The peace agreement signed in Djibouti on June 9, 2008, made provision in particular for a Conference on Reconstruction and Development in Somalia which will take place in Istanbul from May 21 to 23, 2010, at the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister and the UN Secretary-General.
France has been resolutely committed alongside Somalia since 2007; the crisis in Somalia affects the stability of the region. France’s commitment is reflected in particular by:
- support for the African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM) through the training of Ugandan and Burundian soldiers and funding for logistics. This mission is vital for the security of the transitional institutions as well as for key infrastructure (port, airport) in the capital, Mogadishu. This infrastructure allows, among other things, delivery of international aid.
- the launch of the Atalanta anti-piracy operation under French presidency of the EU and support for maritime capacity-building projects;
- training of 500 soldiers in Djibouti;
- launch of EUTM Somalia (EU Training Mission).
Bernard Kouchner will take part in this conference on May 22 and will highlight France’s commitment, particularly with respect to:
- strengthening the authority of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG);
- improving the security situation;
- support for the fight against piracy through initiatives focusing on the economic development of the coastal areas;
- the mobilization of private stakeholders in support of infrastructure projects.
During this conference the minister will meet with the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, Somalia’s president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, as well as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah.
What measures might be considered if Mr. Thaksin expresses his views?
That’s a hypothetical question.
We need to remember three things.
The first is that, as we indicated yesterday, we informed Mr. Thaksin that we expected him to completely refrain from any public demonstrations or statements during his visit to France, which, I repeat, is a private visit.
Secondly, we asked him not to participate in or express his views at a press conference and debate that he is due to attend on May 31.
We also conveyed this message to the establishment that invited him.
I also want to reaffirm that our approach falls within the framework of the major concerns that we have had over the last few days with respect to the worsening of the domestic policy tensions in Thailand, and with respect to the increase in violence on the streets of Bangkok.
The toll from the violence in the Thai capital is currently estimated to be 94 dead and 1,500 injured.
As such, we were obviously concerned and particularly worried to learn of these flare-ups of deadly violence, the firing of real bullets in the center of Bangkok, in business districts and tourist areas, etc.
We also reaffirmed the urgent need for all sides to modify their position and to move forward from violence towards negotiation, appeasement, and the resumption of dialogue, in order for both sides to resume the path of discussion and negotiation for the good of the country and the security of the population.