Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state was the focus of an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The session was requested by the three African members of the Council, Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, and supported by China, Pakistan and Russia.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Kiari briefed Council members on the security issues arising from this development, noting, among other things, that the Security Council has repeatedly reaffirmed Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, he asked for a dialogue to be held in a peaceful and constructive atmosphere, avoiding actions that would cause the situation to worsen.
For her part, US Deputy Permanent Representative Tammy Bruce said that "meetings like today distract from the serious work needed to address issues of international peace and security, both in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa."
Representing Washington, Mrs. Bruce even stated that Israel has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state.
Source: Radio RIK
CAL/RES
