Nairobi, 12 October 2009 – Somali leaders must continue their commitment to dialogue and working together more closely to achieve peace and stability, UN Special Representative for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah told the participants of the third Joint Security Committee which took place today in Nairobi.

"Security Forces should be better organized and strengthened. What has been achieved since the 7 May attempted coup is great but more needs to be done."

Mr. Ould-Abdallah underscored the need for a professional and well-organized security force to be established by August 2011, the end of the transitional government's mandate.

"If well utilized, this is a reasonable period to rebuild the initial element of your country's security forces. We all are here to help, not to study or to delay our contribution to what is a joint undertaking between you and the international community."

He also urged the International Community working in Nairobi to remain focused on key priorities including security, humanitarian assistance, human rights as well as development, particularly job creation.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Ould-Abdallah thanked the members of the Joint Security Committee (JSC) for their dedication, but singled out the AMISOM Force Commander and his deputy for their work under such adverse conditions. "The courage of the AMISOM troops and their heroic conduct will never be fully appreciated at their true value."

The JSC was established under Article 8 of the Djibouti Agreement with the objective to strengthen the security capacities of the Somali Government. Its members include senior representatives of the Transitional Federal Government security institutions, the AU, AMISOM, the UN and other members of the International Community, including the EU/EC, IGAD, League of Arab States, Norway and the U.S.