uchi Posted February 20, 2009 UN, international NGOs conclude conference with Puntland govt GAROWE, Somalia Feb 19 (Garowe Online) - A big delegation composed of United Nations officers and members of the international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) concluded Thursday in Puntland, a self-governing region in northeast Somalia, Radio Garowe reports. The two-day conference had the theme of "Re-engaging with the International Community" and was held at the Puntland Research and Development Center (PDRC) compound in Garowe, the capital of Puntland Wednesday's discussions focused primarily on security, a critical factor that has impeded international aid staff from operating regularly in Puntland. On Thursday, discussions were tackled one issue at a time, including the democratization process and public finance management. Puntland Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama said the regional authority is currently updating government data and establishing "necessary mechanisms" to ensure proper tax collection and to fight against corruption. He assured the 20-member foreign delegation that the new administration led by Puntland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole" is taking immediate steps to identify errors in public finance management, while citing the fact that government employees have already been paid for the month of January. Dr. Abdi Hassan Jum'ale, Puntland's state minister for democratization process, indicated that a constitutional review is underway and that President Farole – who was elected on Jan. 8 – is "committed to continuing the democratization process." He indicated that many concerns linger regarding Puntland's new constitution, including questions regarding a multi-party political system and whether or not to adopt a unicameral or bicameral parliament. Dr. Farole, Puntland's new president, told the visiting delegation that "balancing the budget" is key to restructuring the region's financial management system. He addressed the issue of inflation, saying that the "illegal printing of banknotes" has created an unstable monetary atmosphere and led to uncontrollable hyperinflation, while calling for international expertise in helping Puntland design a better financial management system. Puntland's leader said the region does not receive its fair share of donations from the international community, saying: "Puntland received only 2% of WFP [World Food Program] assistance destined for Somalia." He encouraged more international support in helping Puntland build and repair schools, hospitals and roads. He made special note of remote towns in Bari and Sanaag regions that are "only accessible by sea" due to the mountainous terrain. Mr. Mark Bowden, the UN's Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, offered a lengthy overview of the two-day conference and the open discussions. He repeatedly linked security to development and to humanitarian assistance, saying: "Re-engagement depends on progress [in Puntland]." Kidnapping and other forms of insecurity remain a "real threat" to international aid staff, Mr. Bowden added. He said he was encouraged by the Farole administration's efforts to improve security in main towns, but noted that much more needs to be done, including "separation of police from militia." Mr. Bowden spoke about "decentralizing power" as a means of strengthening the government's domestic reach. He pledged that the UN will assist Puntland with infrastructure development. The foreign delegation, which included UN officers, CARE International, Mercy Corps, Islamic Relief, NRC and DRC, flew safely out of Garowe and returned to regional offices in Nairobi, Kenya. Source: Garowe Online Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rudy-Diiriye Posted February 20, 2009 pland needs to change and join the somaliweeyne and lose the pland name. however, these folks below are paid to do this and just earning their daily bread. they dont give a hoot about pland or any african. --------------------------------------- The foreign delegation, which included UN officers, CARE International, Mercy Corps, Islamic Relief, NRC and DRC, flew safely out of Garowe and returned to regional offices in Nairobi, Kenya. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ANTARA Posted February 20, 2009 walee ciyaar ma'aha qoladani waxey yidhahdeen Puntland waa carartay , somalilandna wey duushey iney is aqoonsadaan bey aheyd ha wada carareen ama ha wada duleeneh. Lakiin, malnitaa Alshabaab idiin soo farabaxo ayuu baxarkiinu kacayaa. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garyaqaan2 Posted February 20, 2009 walee iyo bile puntland waa carartay i don't care what others say. loooooooooooooool Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
