President Silanyo: We reiterate the importance of addr essing the political independence of Somaliland

Hargeisa (TNN)-In response to the International Somalia Conference final communiqué Presid ent Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo said:

“We are pleased that the Somalia Conference agreed continued partnership between the int ernational community and the Government of Somalia to build peace, stability and prosperity in our region. However the Somalia Conference was right to note that political progress remai ns the key to ensuring long-term stability for Somalia. We reiterate the importance of addre ssing the political independence of Somaliland, which will be an important part of making this pledge of political progress a reality.

In Somaliland we have held five separate elections in the past two decades, we have put in place functioning state institutions and we have been fully involved in international efforts to combat terrorism and piracy in the wider region. Yet these acknowledged successes and the meeting of criteria for statehood under international law have still not seen Somaliland recog nized as an independent state. Building on the Ankara Communique, we look forward to conti nuing our dialogue with Somalia on a political settlement for Somaliland.”

Source: SomalilandGov