The United States and Somaliland: Recongition and Recognition

[Jacaylbaro]

There recent statement from the United States State Department spokesman, Mr. Sean McCormack on Somaliland can and will interpreted in different way but different interested parties.

 

Somalilanders and its supporters will see it as a strong indication that the issue of Somaliland is finally under discussion, whilst those opposed to the recognition will see this as a vindication of their position.

 

However, the fact the Mr. McCormack was obliged to include Somaliland is his daily briefing would give little comfort to anti-Somaliland forces and it is a strong indication that Somaliland's diplomatic efforts are gaining moment.

 

Coupled with the latest carnage in Mogadishu, the irrelevance of the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia, it seems that Mr. MrCormack was towing the "official line" which has no bearing on the reality on the ground.

 

Somalilanders see the United States as a fair arbitrator of international affairs, and we also appreciate that the United States must observe all the niceties of "diplomatic speak", but the fact the Somaliland President met with senior administration officials from the State Department, Pentagon and the White House security council is proof enough that the Somaliland issue is finally on the agenda.

 

We, as Somalilanders, understand the United States's position that the African Union take initiative in the Somaliland issue, but we also appreciate that without the influence of the United States, it is a case of "much to do about nothing".

 

Somalilanders both and home and abroad are heartened by our President's visit to Washington. This was clearly demonstrated by the events of Thursday across Somaliland.

 

It is clear that Somaliland and the United States will engage in terms of areas of mutual interest, fighting terrorism, promoting democracy and good governance and maintaining stability in a strategic region.

 

In conclusion, what Mr. McCormack was saying is that although Somaliland and the United States are engaging with each other, the issue of recognition is not on the table, not yet anyway.

 

When the issue of recognition is on the table will be determined by Somaliland's continued march towards democracy and good governance along with the realisation by interest parties such as the United States, the African Union, the European Union, the United Nations, etc, that recognising Somaliland is the only way forward in the region.

 

 

qarannews.com

[Thankful]

Somaliland president meets with senior US officials 20 Jan 2008 21:04:07 GMT

Source: Reuters

 

 

WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - A high-level delegation from Somaliland, a breakaway Somali republic, has met with senior U.S. officials to "further common interests" in regional peace, security, economic development and democratic reform, the U.S. State Department said on Sunday.

 

During an eight-day visit in Washington, the delegation led by Somaliland President Dahir Kahin Rayale met with State Department, Agency for International Development, Defense Department and National Security Council officials, among others, the State Department said.

 

Somaliland, in the northwestern corner bordering Ethiopia, broke away from the rest of Somalia in 1991 and argues it should be given sovereignty since it has held democratic elections and achieved stability that has eluded most of the country.

 

The State Department characterized the visit as "cordial and constructive."

 

The United States does not recognize Somaliland and a State Department spokesman said on Thursday the visit did not signal a change in position. "We are not on the verge of recognizing Somaliland," he said. The delegation left on Saturday, the State Department said.

[Thankful]

Somalilanders both and home and abroad are heartened by our President's visit to Washington.

Not all Somalilanders!!

 

I followed with interest the ongoing visit of President Dahir Riyaale to the United States and decided to refrain at first from making any comments that would have been deemed pessimistic by pro Somaliland quarters but to my surprise it came as no surprise this morning when I saw what I thought was a total slap in the face by the State Deaprtment spokeman when he reiterated the long held belief that this was after all a much ado about nothing trip that we have come accustomed to seeing in the past. What was even more surprising was how the poor folks back home were made to believe that their massive demostrations back home would amount to something but alas no CNN coverage no reporters there to report it except for a few Somaliland websites. What I think the call for the demostrations clearly proved was the governments lack of understanding and their sometimes unwise rush to action mentality.

Now the question on my mind is simple what was the purpose of the trip,was there some understanding between Riyaale and the US government that we are not being told about after all we were made to believe that something might come out of this but todays press briefing hashed what believe no matter how big or small we might have had of the outcome of this trip.What was the President like status Riyaale and his entourage were accorded while in the US,was it just to shore up his fledgling support back home and what will the UDUB loud speakers say when he does go back home……

 

Whatever the outcome of his mad dash to the UK and the USA one thing is evident Somaliland enemies today are celebrating. A few days back most were made to swallow their words when contrary to their beliefs Riyaale was treated somewhat different than the late Egal when he came here in 1999 but todays events has the Somaliland supporters like me on our backfoot again,trying to make some sort of sense out of this contradiction coming out of the State Department.

 

Abdi Ibrahim

Columbus,USA

Somaliland.org

 

(Articles like this will help your cause more and will result in new directions, then pretending every news that comes your way is good news.)

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