(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-05 13:52

NAIROBI -- UN top envoy for Somalia on Friday called on all Somalis, particularly business people, politicians and the Diaspora to remain fully committed to the ongoing peace process.

UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said he had invited the opposition Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) to Nairobi to discuss the future of the country.

Ould-Abdallah said in a statement issued in Nairobi that he is happy with the ongoing discussions so far and is hopeful that they will lead to a dialogue with the transitional government of Somalia and an end to the long suffering of the people.

"I congratulate the President, Speaker and Prime Minister for coming forward and being the first to draw up the reconciliation plan," he said. "I see it as a good sign that the Somali parties are genuinely concerned about the situation in their country."

He pointed out that the UN has a fruitful relationship with the transitional federal government and is pleased with their work towards reconciliation.

"I would like all Somalis to give this new approach a chance. The conflict has been totally unproductive and Somalis must not give in to those who continue to try to divide them. They need to strengthen their ranks, consolidate national unity and understand that power sharing is the best way forward.I believe that true Somali patriots should be fighting the most important battle in Somalia today which is for unity and prosperity," the envoy said.

Somalia is currently facing an unprecedented crisis with escalating violence, massive displacement and acute unmet medical needs.

Hundreds of thousands of Somalis are struggling to survive and are in urgent need of immediate assistance. They are the indirect victims of any attack on humanitarian workers.