Nairobi, 17 May 2010 – The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, today said that he would fully support President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in his decision concerning the Government, following his acceptance of the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament, Sheikh Aden Madobe. The SRSG said he would like to see the former Speaker accept the President's invitation to join the new Cabinet.

"The President, in the face of a long and unnecessary crisis diverting resources, energy and attention, has taken an appropriate and courageous initiative to resolve the predicament. I would like to take the opportunity to encourage him in his show of leadership and invite all members of the Somali Parliament and former Cabinet to support him. This is an opportunity to appoint a more effective Cabinet that, I hope, will be able to significantly advance the Djibouti Peace Process through improved delivery of services to the suffering Somali population and increased accountability. I trust that the election of the new Speaker will be open and transparent.

"The President can count on the backing of the United Nations and the international community at this present juncture. I caution manipulators and profiteers not to interfere with the current situation," Mr Ould-Abdallah said.

"I invite the international community to lend serious concrete support to the President and his future Cabinet. To that end, more flexibility is needed in the disbursement of international assistance to make it timely and more effective.

The President announced his decision at a press conference held this morning in Mogadishu.

"The Istanbul Conference on Somalia takes place at the end of this week and we all look forward to seeing President Sheikh Sharif at this important event which is being co-convened by the United Nations and the Government of Turkey," Mr Ould-Abdallah said.