UN Pledges Backing For New President Of Somalia

Annan Pledges UN's Backing For New President Of Somalia

Culminating a two-year negotiation process, Abdullahi Yusuf has been elected as the transitional president of Somalia -- a move welcomed today by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who pledged the world body's full support for efforts to promote stability in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Mr. Annan said he considers Mr. Yusuf's election -- by the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia during a meeting on Sunday in Kenya -- to be "another important step toward the re-establishment of peace and stability in Somalia."

He also looked forward to "the formation, in the near future, of a Transitional Federal Government capable of beginning reconciliation and reconstruction in a spirit of consensus and dialogue."

Through his spokesman, the Secretary-General reiterated the UN's readiness "to do its utmost to support the return of normalcy and good governance in Somalia" and urged all Somalis to "be part of the effort to restore peace and security in their country."

The statement also commended the efforts of those involved in the negotiation process, particularly Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, his Government as well as other members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

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