Somalia seeking to fully lift weapons embargo

MOGADISHU, Somalia August 11, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia has renewed plea to the United Nations Security Council in an effort to fully lift two-decade-old arms embargo on the country on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Minister of Defence Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud underlined the need for united and strong Somali Army that can deal with looming Al Shabaab threats during an interview with BBC Somali Service.

"Strong armed force is confronted by weapons embargo on Somalia, therefore we are unable to reinstitute strong army since the much-needed elements are not now available," said Hamud, highlighting that his ministry is in full force campaign to equip Somali National Army with modern military gears.

"The policy of ministry of Defence is the establishment of inclusive army troops who are capable of securing borderlines and the development of the country relies on armed forces," he added.

Hamud is accompanying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on US trip. He met with US Defence Ministry officials, discussing the military support for Somalia as well as terrorism.

The UN Security Council extended partial easing of Somalia weapons embargo through October in March.

GAROWE ONLINE