The International Contact Group on Somalia (ICG) called on Wednesday in Oslo all parties to the conflict in Somalia to engage in political talks, according to reports reaching Stockholm.

All parties must take part in political talks, including the proposed meeting to take place in Djibouti under the auspices of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), the ICG reiterated in a communique after one-day meeting in Oslo.

The only way to stability, reconciliation and development in Somalia is through inclusive dialogue, it said, adding that the need for vigilance in protecting the dialogue from internal as well as external spoilers.

The group, established in 2006, also called on all the parties to respect International Humanitarian Law. Protection of civilians must be a chief component of any security solution and all parties must take the necessary steps to work with the UN, donors and NGOs to immediately establish a mechanism to address humanitarian access, it said in the communique.

The ICG decided to hand over chairmanship of the group to the SRSG, in order to further strengthen the leadership role of the UN. The ICG will continue to meet on a regular basis, enhanced by the addition of ad hoc groups, appointed by the SRSG on an as-needed basis, the group said