WALES SOMALILAND COMMUNITY PRAISED THE BRITISH
PRIME MINISTER AND CARDIFF MP RT. HON. ALUN MICHAEL
 

Cardiff, Wales, Sunday,11th July, 2010, Mr. Abdirahman Ahmed Awed, Chairman and Mr. Abdikarim Abdi Adan, Director of Wales Somaliland Community, has today welcomed and praised Rt. Hon. David Cameron, British Prime Minister and Rt. Hon. Alun Michael, MP for Cardiff South & Penarth for their heartfelt Congratulations to the people of Somaliland on the successful ,peaceful ,credible and transparent election of a new Somaliland President, His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed  Mohamo ud Siranyo and Vice President, H.E. Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail.

Mr. Awad and Adan said: “On behalf of the whole community, we express our deep appreciation and we take this opportunity to thank the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. David Cameron, MP and Cardiff South & Penarth MP, Rt. Hon. Alun Michael, MP statements during Prime Minister Question Time on 7th July 2010 at Houses of Parliament, attached below is text of the exchange.”


The Prime minister(Mr. David Cameron) was asked by Alun Michael, MP
Alun Michael: Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the people of Somaliland on the successful, peaceful and transparent election of a new President? As the Somaliland republic has now been a beacon of democracy in Africa for nearly 20 years, will the Prime Minister ensure that the UK keeps its promise to increase engagement with a new Government with democratic credentials?

The Prime Minister: The right hon. Gentleman is right to raise this important issue concerning an  a rea of the world of enormous importance for our own security. I join him in welcoming the peaceful and credible elections in Somaliland. They are an example of genuine democracy in an area of the world not noted for it. The UK provided funding for election supervision, and we are keen to  eng age with the new Government. I believe, and I am sure the whole House would agree, that the key is to prevent terrorist groups from establishing a foothold in Somaliland, as they have done in Somalia. That is vital, and, yes, the Government will continue to engage.

Mr. Adan, said “ we are delighted that today, the Somaliland Supreme Court has endorsed, the  So maliland Election Commission decision, we take this opportunity to officially offer our  congratulati on Oficially to His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Siranyo and Vice President, H.E. Abdirah man Abdillahi Ismail and to outgoing President H.E. Dahir Riyale Kahin and Vice President Ahmed Yussuf Yassin.

Mr. Awad and Adan, said, “ We welcome The Prime Minister, pledged to maintain UK engagement with Somaliland and we hope the UK will upgrade the status of the Somaliland Mission in the UK as part of this commitment made during the PM Question Time last Wednesday,7th July 2010”.

Mr. Awad and Mr. Adan said, “We will work to bridge the gap in cultural and linguistic differences with the objective of developing an effective and long lasting mutual partnership between our two countries . Our community, including young people in particular, are ready to play a crucial role as British Citizens and Ambassadors for the UK.”

Finally, Mr. Awad and Mr. Adan, said "We look forward to continue building on the excellent  relatio nships already established with Somaliland Government and to furthering co-operation with UK Fo reign & Common Wealth Office, Prime Minister Office and UK Parliament for the mutual benefits of both our two nations.

Notes for editor
For further information Please contact :- Mr. Abdikarim Abdi Adan, Director of Wales Somaliland Communities Link - Mobile :- 07974120862 - email:- abdi@walessomaliland.org - 68 James Street, Cardiff Bay , Cardiff CF10 5EZ