MOGADISHU, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Somalia has welcomed a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing the transition of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) over two years starting Nov. 1.
The resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council Wednesday, will advance Somalia's sovereignty and self-reliance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement Wednesday evening in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
"The Security Council's unanimous resolution aligns with Somalia's proposal to gradually transition UNSOM's responsibilities to the Somalia government and UN agencies within the country, strengthening Somalia's sovereignty and institutional independence," the ministry said.
The priorities of the UNTMIS include supporting Somalia in the area of state-building, including the constitutional review process and efforts to conduct free and fair elections; promotion and protection of human rights, rule of law, justice, corrections and security sector support; and the gradual transfer of individual tasks to the Somali government and international actors on the ground.
The ministry described the UN resolution as a milestone that reflects progress in Somalia's path to resilient governance.
"This diplomatic milestone reflects the shared vision of the UN and Somalia for a peaceful, resilient nation, equipped to guide its own national agenda and engage as a strong international partner," the statement said.
