BRISTOL LIBERAL DEMOCRATS LEADING BRISTOL.SUPPORTING SOMALILAND
COMMUNITIES
The Liberal Democrat group have submitted a motion to be moved by
Councillor Christian Ma rtin (Clifton East) on the right of
Somaliland to be recognised as a sovereign state, the moti on is
outlined below:
“This council believes that Somaliland – where more than 10,000
people now in Bristol origin ated – should be recognised as a
sovereign state.
Somali-landers make a significant contribution to our city and the
council notes that memb ers of this community in Bristol would
strongly urge us to support growing pressure to reco gnise their
country as independent, allowing it a seat at the United Nations.
Somaliland declared independence from the Somali Republic in 1991
following a long war. However, it has never been recognised by the
UN or the Africa Union, despite a campaign by its politicians,
diplomats and prominent citizens.
This council recognises the strength of Somaliland’s cause and the
fact that it is a stable de mocracy, where there have been four
elections over the last two decades and where opp osition parties are
free to represent the interests of their supporters.
The Somaliland government, which does not receive international aid
and keeps its waters free of piracy, believes recognition would help
to entrench democracy in the Horn of Africa.
Recognition would also, it believes, help to strengthen
international co-operation in the figh t against terrorism and other
major criminal activity, including the dumping of toxic waste. It
would allow Somaliland to market itself as a safe destination for
tourists and attract jobs and international banks.
This council, therefore, calls upon the British government to
recognise Somaliland as an independent state and to encourage other
governments around the world to do the same.”
Source:
bristol-libdems.org.uk
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