Merci, Monsieur le President,

Portugal has always been supportive of the African Union’s efforts in Somalia. Within the European Union, we have consistently supported the financing requests for AMISOM through the African Peace Facility.

As Members of this Council, we have constructively engaged to address the African Union’s concerns and AMISOM’s needs. It is with this same constructive spirit that we have once more voted in favour of strengthening the African Union Mission in Somalia. 

We feel, nevertheless, that it is important to bear in mind, like the Secretary-General acknowledged in his latest report on AMISOM, the current environment of global financial constraint, to which the UN peacekeeping budget is not immune. Hence, it is imperative to seek additional funding for AMISOM and broaden its international donor base. The forthcoming London Conference should be instrumental in this regard. 

Moreover, the additional efforts that we all are willing to make at the security and military levels – and in this regard allow me to commend the hard work and sacrifices of AMISOM, regional partners and of the Somali Security Forces - should be accompanied by serious commitment by the Somali political leaders to the political process.

Portugal takes note of the recent agreement on the Garowe II Principles on Federalism, System of Government and Ending of the Transition through Operationalizing Garowe I and we take this opportunity to urge the Transitional Federal Institutions and all Roadmap signatories to redouble their efforts. Turning these decisions into reality is another step, yet a significant one that the Somalis themselves need to take towards a stable and viable State, and thus paving the way for a better future for the Somali people.

I thank you.