UN Security Council on Friday welcomed the agreement signed between the Somali government and the Interim Jubba Administration, calling for international support to a Somali-led and coordinated peacebuilding and development plan.

In a statement, the council member emphasized the importance for all parties to implement the agreement between the Somali government and the Interim Jubba Administration, avoid actions which could undermine security, peace and reconciliation in Somalia.

Signed last month in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, the agreement established the modalities of administration and governance in the Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo regions.

In the statement, the 15-member council welcomed the leadership of Somali government "in seeking a compact with the Somali people and the international community that ensures Somali ownership, predictable, coordinated and transparent international support, and a commitment to build Somali institutions and capacity."

Reiterating their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the south of the Horn of Africa country, the council members "encouraged the international community to support a Somali-led and coordinated peacebuilding and development plan."

Meanwhile, the Council welcomed the deployment of the UN Assistance Mission to Somalia (UNSOM), which began operations last month, and looked forward to UNSOM playing an effective role in support of the federal government of Somalia.

"At the same time, the members of the Security Council expressed concern at the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for continued humanitarian access and assistance to millions of vulnerable Somalis," the statement said.

Somalia has been torn asunder by factional fighting since 1991 but has recently made progress towards stability. In 2011, Islamist Al-Shabaab insurgents retreated from Mogadishu and last year new government institutions emerged, as the country ended a transitional phase toward setting up a permanent, democratically-elected government. Enditem

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