New York - The Secretary-General welcomes the signature on 23 June in Mogadishu of an agreement to establish a new interim regional administration in south west Somalia, comprising the regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle.

The Secretary-General commends all parties involved for their diligent negotiation of this important agreement, and looks forward to its prompt implementation. He recalls that the formation of inclusive regional administrations is a key milestone in Somalia's path towards a federal system of governance, in line with the Provisional Constitution and the aspirations of the Somali people.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the Federal Government of Somalia’s peace-building and state-building efforts.