UN tightens rules for arms deliveries to Somalia

The Security Council has voted unanimously to tighten requirements for arms deliveries to Somalia's security forces after UN experts accused government officials of allowing weapons and ammunition to get into the hands of clan leaders, warlords and al-Qaida-linked militants.

A resolution approved by the council yesterday keeps in place until October 25 a partial suspension of the UN arms embargo which allows the delivery of weapons and ammunition for the sole purpose of developing the security forces "to provide security for the Somali people."

But the Security Council is now requiring at least five days advance notice of any deliveries including descriptions of the weapons and ammunition, details of the manufacturer and supplier, and information on the security unit receiving the shipment or the location it will be stored.