Date:02/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/02/stories/2007050202401500.htm

International

U.N. for Somalia truce

UNITED NATIONS: The U.N. Security Council on Monday called on all warring parties in Somalia to stop fighting immediately and agree to a comprehensive cease-fire. In approving a presidential statement by consensus, the 15-member Council expressed ``grave concern'' at the renewed fighting in Somalia, deplored the loss of civilian life and condemned ``the indiscriminate shelling of heavily populated areas of Mogadishu.'' The Council called on all parties ``to immediately end the hostilities and agree a comprehensive cease-fire.'' It also stressed the need for increased humanitarian aid to the country and demanded that all parties comply fully with international humanitarian law, protect the civilian population, and facilitate access to humanitarian assistance. — Xinhua