Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 6125th meeting, 15 May 2009, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Somalia"]

Reaffirms its support for the Transitional Federal Government as the legitimate authority in Somalia under the Transitional Federal Charter and condemns the recent renewal in fighting led by al-Shabaab and other extremists, which constitutes an attempt to remove that legitimate authority by force; demands that opposition groups immediately end their offensive, put down their arms, renounce violence and join reconciliation efforts; reiterates its support for African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), expresses its appreciation for the contribution of troops by the Governments of Burundi and Uganda, and condemns any hostilities towards AMISOM; expresses its concern over reports that Eritrea has supplied arms to those opposing the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia in breach of the UN arms embargo, and calls on the Sanctions Monitoring Group to investigate.

2 p.