SOO MAAL Posted April 27, 2005 Letter from Sool Sanaag Hawd Development Agency (SSHDA), 15 March 2004 PROTEST AND CONCERN BY RECENT PARLIAMENTARY REPORT FROM NORTHWEST SOMALIA (SOMALILAND) The recent report by honourable members of UK Parliament visiting Hargeisa, was biased as well as embarrassing, it sparked a crisis among the Somali Community in UK and added more fuel to the ongoing fire in Somalia. The report propagated a serious propaganda to the effect that the breakaway "Somaliland" from the rest of Somalia has the overwhelming support from its inhabitants and constituent clans in the region, in that case deserving recognition, which is not the fact. This report sending the wrong signal, will only encourage secessionists to embark on a new wave of violence, which they started now by sending their militia to the border of Sool region (Las-Anod) by trying to wage war on territories of other clans, which would lead to become the worst civil war in Somalia. Honourable members visited only one town (Hargeisa), stayed only 24 hours and reported an emotional report based on what they heard from their hosts. Which in effect gives false hope to the secessionists, thereby prolonging our ongoing tragedy, entailing misery and population exodus, particularly to Britain where many Somali refugees come to escape from the strife torn country. Honourable Tony Worthington mentioned he did not know anything about the dispute in Las-Anod, which indicates that the honourable members reported one-side of the story. The dispute is between Secessionists based in Hargeisa drawing support from the Isak clan in Hargeisa and Berbera, and the anti-secessionists (The ***** Clans of *********** and Warsengeli) from the regions of Sool (Lasanod), Sanaag (Erigavo) and Am (Buhodle) all in Puntland State of Somalia. The population in those regions lead by their Traditional Leaders rejected the clan based myth of Somaliland and opted for a Somali nation by establishing the Puntland State of Somalia. They did not allow their bogus referendum, Local Councils or Presidential Elections to take place in their territories. Also the ***** clan of (*********** ) chased Mr Riyaale (North West Somaliland President) when he tried to sneak to Lasanod on 7 December 2002. The campaign by a single tribe to deceive and manipulate the international community by persuading members of UK Parliament and disseminating a story based on illusions of a statehood which is lacking the consent of many regions and clans, claiming that they were singled and persecuted by a dictator. The truth is that all Somalis suffered the same fate. Former British Somaliland Protectorate consisted of Six Districts of which three are populated by non-Isak Clans. Now there are six regions Sool (Lasanod), Am (Buhodle), Sanaag (Erigavo) populated by the ***** Clans who totally reject secession. In Awdal (Borama) the most western region is occupied by the Issa and Gudabuursi, despite Mr Riyaale (president of North West Somaliland) being from Awdal, the majority of both these tribes reject secession from the Somali Republic. The secessionist movement is based in Hargeisa and Berbera (Northwest region) only. Even a major part of the population in Burao (Togdheer) opt for a Somali Republic, as many of their elders, politicians and intellectuals are now participating in Nairobi's ongoing Somali Reconciliation Conference. We ask that the British Government and Parliament to visit or seek more information of the situation in that areas which reject secession from the Somali Republic. We also would like to know the policy and the view of the British Government in regard to the above mentioned conflict. We hope that the report by honourable members who visited Hargeisa would not fan the flames of Somalia's civil war by giving encouragement to the secessionist elements, by misusing humanitarian aid to procure arms in contrast to the UN sanctions and waging war against other clans and territories. The Somali Republic fragmented into non-viable mini parts, is no one's interest neither for the Somali people as whole nor for the international community including UK. It would only suit warlords, terrorists and secessionists. We look forward that the Government of UK, Parliament and other UK institutions would help Somalis towards reconciliation and support the ongoing Somali Reconciliation Conference in Nairobi, peace building and nation building. We are concerned and we look forward to your response. A Suleiman Secretary General Sool Sanaag Hawd Development Agency (SSHDA) 15 March 2004 Annex 1 Press Release SC/8007, 25/02/04 Security Council 4915th Meeting (PM) SECURITY COUNCIL REITERATES FIRM SUPPORT FOR SOMALI RECONCILIATION WELCOMES DECLARATION SIGNED IN NAIROBI AS "IMPORTANT STEP" TOWARDS PEACE The Security Council this afternoon, reiterating its firm support for the reconciliation process in Somalia, welcomed the recent signing of a declaration aimed at harmonising issues as "an important step towards lasting peace", and called on Somali parties to build on that progress and swiftly conclude the National Reconciliation Conference by establishing a viable transitional government. In a statement read out by its President, Wang Guangya (China), the Council urged all the signatories to that agreement, who met in consultative meetings from 9 to 29 January in Nairobi, Kenya, to fully abide by their commitment and move the peace process forward. The Council also called on the Somali parties to continue working towards a comprehensive security arrangement, reiterating that the Eldoret Declaration of 27 October 2002 on cessation of hostilities should be implemented expeditiously. The Council condemned those who obstructed the peace process, stressing that those who persisted on the path of confrontation and conflict would be held accountable. It also stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Somalia and called on the Somali parties to fully implement the ceasefire, to ensure security and to resolve their differences through peaceful means. Welcoming the African Union's preparation to deploy a military observer mission to Somalia, the Council called upon the international community to support the African Union's efforts to improve the security situation in Somalia. Reiterating its concern over the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to Somalia, the Council welcomed the establishment of the Monitoring Group pursuant to resolution 1519(2003) of 16 December 2003, and called on relevant States and entities to comply with the arms embargo. The Council requested the Secretary-General, in his next report, to suggest ways to develop the United Nations role in support of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-facilitated Somali reconciliation process. The meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m. and adjourned at 1:17 p.m. PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT The full text of the presidential statement, to be issued as S/PRST/2004/3 reads as follows: "The Security Council, recalling its previous decisions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular the statement of its President of 11 November 2003 (S/PRST/2003/19) and welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of February 2004 (S/2004/115), reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia, and its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the country, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. "The Security Council reiterates its firm support for the Somali national reconciliation process and the ongoing Somali National Reconciliation Conference in Kenya, launched under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). "The Security Council commends President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, other leaders of IGAD, and international supporters of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference for their perseverance to help Somalis reach national reconciliation. "The Security Council welcomes the signing, on 29 January 2004, of the Declaration on the Harmonisation of the Various Issues by the Somali Delegates at the Somali Consultative Meetings, held from 9 to 29 January 2004 in Nairobi, as an important step towards lasting peace and reconciliation in Somalia, and urges all signatories to the agreement to fully abide by their commitment to take forward the peace process. "The Security Council calls upon the Somali parties to build on the progress achieved and swiftly conclude the Somali National Reconciliation Conference with a durable and inclusive solution to the conflict in Somalia by establishing a viable transitional government. "The Security Council reiterates that the Somali parties should abide by and implement expeditiously the Eldoret Declaration of 27 October 2002 on cessation of hostilities, and calls on the Somali parties to continue working towards a comprehensive security arrangement for Somalia. "The Security Council stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Somalia, and that the Somali parties themselves bear the responsibility of achieving it. The Council calls on the Somali parties to fully implement the ceasefire, to ensure security, and to resolve their differences through peaceful means. "The Security Council condemns those who obstruct the peace process, and stresses that those who persist on the path of confrontation and conflict will be held accountable. The Council will continue to monitor the situation closely "The Security Council calls upon all neighbouring States to continue their endeavour to participate fully and constructively for the success of the Somali National Reconciliation Process and the attainment of peace in region. "The Security Council welcomes the commitment and preparation of the African Union to deploy a military observer mission to Somalia, and calls upon the international community to support the African Union's efforts to improve the security situation in Somalia. "The Security Council calls on the international community to continue its efforts to support IGAD in its facilitation of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference, and calls on the donor countries to contribute to the Conference, the United Nations Trust Fund for Peace-building in Somalia and the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Somalia. "The Security Council expresses serious concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Somalia, and calls on the Somalia leaders to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance and to assure the safety of all international and national aid workers. "The Security Council reiterates its concern over the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to Somalia, welcomes the establishment of the Monitoring Group pursuant to resolution 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003, and calls on relevant States and entities to comply scrupulously with the arms embargo and to cooperate with the Monitoring Group. "The Security Council welcomes the readiness of the Secretary-General to enhance the attention of the United Nations to developments in Somalia within existing resources. The Council reiterates that a comprehensive peace-building program with special emphasis on disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration will be important to post-conflict Somalia as stipulated in the statement of its President of 28 March 2002 (S/PRST/2002/8). "The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to consider and to suggest in his next report ways to develop the role of the United Nations in support of the IGAD facilitated Somali reconciliation process. "The Security Council reiterates its readiness to assist the Somali parties and support IGAD in implementation of the agreements reached in the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference." BACKGROUND When the Security Council met it had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia (S/2004/115 and Corr. 1), covering the period from 13 October 2003, and focusing on the progress made by the Somali national reconciliation process under the auspices of IGAD. The conflict in Somalia dates to 1989, when growing discontent with President Siad Barre's regime resulted in a general civil war. The regime collapsed in 1991, and the country descended into inter-clan warfare. The crisis in Somalia impelled the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on the country and eventually authorise a United Nations peace enforcement operation from 1993 to 1995. United Nations peacekeeping forces were then drawn into a difficult and protracted conflict with the Somali National Alliance (SNA), which sapped the will of the international community for the enforcement operation. When the last United Nations forces withdrew in March 1995, Somalia remained divided, without a central government. In 2002, the IGAD, a regional organisation of States in the Horn of Africa, proposed to hold a peace and reconciliation conference. That conference signed a Declaration on Cessation of Hostilities and the Structures and Principles of the Somalia Reconciliation Process, in Eldoret, Kenya, on 27 October that year. Since then, a Somalia National Reconciliation Conference has been meeting in Mbagathi, Kenya, under auspices of the IGAD. On 16 December 2003, the Council adopted resolution 1519 (2003) to give full effect to the implementation of the arms embargo [see Press Release SC/7957]. The Secretary-General states in his report that, according to the Council's request, he has established a Monitoring Group to investigate violations of the arms embargo covering access to Somalia by land, air and sea and to provide a draft list of those who continue to violate the embargo for possible measures by the Council. According to the report, on 29 January, Somali leaders signed a "Declaration on the Harmonisation of Various Issues Proposed by the Somali Delegates at the Somali Consultative Meetings from 9 to 29 January", consisting of proposed amendments to the transitional federal charter adopted at the plenary meeting of the Conference on 15 September 2003. Among other things, the document called for a national census to be undertaken while a new constitution was being drafted, as well as for its approval by an internationally supervised national referendum. A controversy arose, however, over the method of selection of the members of the transitional federal parliament, which is to consist of 275 members, 12% of whom would be women. The Secretary-General observes that that agreement marked a breakthrough that promises to allow further progress in the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference. He points out, however, how important it is that progress in the political arena be accompanied by serious efforts on the leaders' part to realise tangible improvement in the security situation, which would be conducive to the implementation of a political agreement. That would, in turn, accord the necessary credibility to the political agreement, which would be critical if it were to receive the full support of the people of Somalia and the international community. The Secretary-General further observes that insecurity and violence in many parts of the country make a comprehensive peace urgent. Somali leaders and their militias should also be aware that they will be held accountable for continued violations of human rights. It would be necessary for the front-line IGAD States to narrow differences among themselves with regard to the Somali national reconciliation process, and to speak with one voice. Regarding the humanitarian situation in Somalia—affected by four years of drought in northern Somalia, issues of safe access to contested areas, inter-clan fighting and ongoing violence and criminality—the Secretary-General notes that, as at 1 February, less than 1% of the $113 million requested in the 2004 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Somalia has been received. Of the $78 million requested in the 2003 appeal, 61% was funded. Many essential services are not provided to the population because of lack of funds and the precarious security situation. As the United Nations and non-governmental organisations have made greater efforts to improve the consolidated inter-agency appeal by making it more participatory and strengthening analysis and planning, the Secretary-General encourages donors to contribute generously to the consolidated appeal, in order to ensure the fullest possible implementation of the Common Humanitarian Action Plan for Somalia. 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SOO MAAL Posted April 27, 2005 Letter of Appreciations to the UK House of Parliament Feb 08 2004 Hargeisa, Somaliland (Somaliland Net) - Letter of Appreciation to UK House of Commons from MP Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan (Indho), Member of Somaliland House of Elders. for for the Courageous, truthful and just contributions During the debate on Somaliland recognition And development aid. To: All members of the Select Committee for International Development, who visited Somaliland On 24th-25th January, 2004, and Contributors to the Debate on Somaliland, at the UK House of Commons, on 4/2/04 The Honourable Mr. Tony Worthington (Clydebank and Milngavie), “ “ Mr. Tony Baldry (Banbury). “ “ Mr. Tony Colman (Putney). “ “ Mr. Andrew Rob than (Blaby). “ “ Mr. Quentin Davies (Graham and Stamford). “ “ Mr. John Barrett (Edinburgh, West). “ “ Mr. Frank Cook “ “ Kevin Bremen (Cardiff, West) “ “ John Berrow (Buckingham) Dear Sirs, Subject: Sincere Thanks and Appreciation for the Courageous, truthful and just contributions During the debate on Somaliland recognition And development aid. Please accept my personal and sincere thanks and appreciation for the courageous, truthful and just speeches as contributions to the recent debate on the issues of Somaliland’s recognition and development aids. Certainly, it is a difficult task for me to describe the extent of my good feelings and/or how I became very pleased with the reports presented by members of the Select Committee for International development that was made in result of their visit to Somaliland on the 24th-25th January 2004. Naturally, your jointly expressed feelings, views and unified action to support the just cause of neglected Somaliland by the UK and other members of the International Community as a whole, is surely a historical event and a brave step that will be hailed by coming generations for the triumph of peace, democracy and the principles of human rights. As a member of Somaliland’s House of Elders (Upper chamber of Parliament), who represent the Taleh Constituency of the Sool Region of Somaliland, I would like to earnestly appeal to the government of the UK, and other peace loving people of the world, including members of the Select Committee for International Development of the UK House of Commons for their urgent intervention to thwart the criminal intent of Abdillahi Yusuf, the warlord of Puntland, who carried out his armed intervention for the sole aim of creating chaos and new armed conflicts, so as to jeopardize and destroy the peace, stability and democratic rule reached in Somaliland. Therefore, the members of the ***** clans, who are living in the Sool and Eastern parts of Sanag Regions of Somaliland are condemning the false claim of this war criminal, and genuinely asks all concerned to work hard for his arrest and to bring him before a court of justice, for committing many atrocities against his own people Otherwise we are content and broad of your deeds, by applauding your commitments on our behalf, and by calling for the continuity of your good work. Finally, I would like to inform you that the Chairman of the House of Elders Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Yusuf Sheikh Madar, who is the highest ranking official of the two chambers of Somaliland’s Parliament, is also working on an official letter of thanks and appreciation for your sincere deeds, which will be sent to you as soon as possible. Thank you again for your support and assistance for our just cause. Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan (Indho), Member of Somaliland House of Elders. Hargeisa, Somaliland, Email: MP Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan (indho) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOO MAAL Posted April 27, 2005 Letter to the UK. Parliament By Aniis Y.E. UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF LORDS AND HOUSE OF COMMONS LONDON, UK YOUR EXCELLENCY: FEB 12, 2004 I have the honour to address this emergency appeal to You, Trimester Tony Blarr, International Organizations, Friendly government and NGO’s on behalf of the Citizens of Somaliland Republic. THE RE-BIRTH OF SOMALILAND REPUBLIC: The Republic of Somalia came into existence as a result of the unification of (British Somaliland Protectorate) and Italian Somalia on the 1st of July 1960. The following condition set by the politicians of Italian Somalia. Set the stage for the present dissolution of the union. 1- The Flag and the Constitution of the south-Italian Somalia should be those of the Union. 2- Mogadisho to be the capital and the seat of government. 3- the president should be from the south. 4- the commander of the army and the police should be southerners. This great imbalance of political power was further accentuated by the division of seats in the Unions National Assembly (Parliament). 90 of the total seats of 123 belonged to the south. The estimated population ratio was then about 2/3 in favour of the south. As early as 1961, the army officers of the north organized an ill-fated coup against southern domination. It was of course quickly crushed. Because of the popular belief in national unity. The north was indeed reduced to an inferior region. Its share of the national cake was always minimal. A deliberate policy of economic starvation and political domination of the north was the order of the day. The ill feeling and resentment of the North were never being redressed by the successive representative government of the Republic. The rise of Dictator Siad Barre to power in October 1969 unleashed untold horrors. The Somali National Movement ( SNM ), took up arms against the Dictator Siad Barre in 1981. The Organization liberated the North in 1991 and declared on the 18th of May 1991 the separate independent and sovereign state of Somaliland Republic. The declaration of independence was proclaimed after conducting a lot of consultations with the elders, politicians and intellectuals of all groups and all tribes. In fact the population pressured the SNM to declare independence. The declaration of the newly born state is the true expression of the will of the people. NATIONAL RECONCILIATION: Peace stability and national reconciliation are urgent issues which the Somaliland government addressed itself to non-Isaak tribes were invited participate in the national government. At present they hold the Presidency and Speaker of the Parliament. Their share of portfolios of the government, a fair representation in the constituent Assembly should also be devised and allocated to these tribes. This so in order to enable them to take part in the fundamental decisions which this representation should effectively be achieved. Is entrusted to the government and the non-Isaak Tribes their fair and effective representation is are entitled to exercise and enjoy. RECOGNITION: The government of Somaliland Republic is the effective and unchallenged authority of the North (Former Somaliland British Protectorate). The government enjoy the support of the population, these is peace for the first time after a long period of repression. The dramatic change of the political map of Europe set presidents that support our case, our case. Our unilateral declaration of independent is not a secession, It is a restoration of a past status queue. We got our independence on June 26 1960, the south on 1st July 1960. We were independent five days ahead of the south. As that we did once for all. The political map of the Horn of Africa with the rise of Eritrea and Somaliland has also change; the “ New World Order “ favours the downfall of African dictators. That is being swept by the current wind of change in Africa. The break-up of cumbersome states in Europe is also welcome. The recognition of the emerging states is the order of the day. Though recognition is essentially a political decision the identical situation of the emergent states of both continents neither be denied nor overlooked. Political solution of political problems is a preferable option. The government of Somaliland Republic is anxious to solve outstanding problems with southern Somalia. Our independence and separate statehood are not subject to negotiations. Our unilateral declaration of the sovereign state of Somaliland is irreversible. The warring factions of the south are not likely to entertain at the moment a peaceful settlement of their problems. Political solution in the absence of a southern partner is a remote possibility. The recognition of our newly born Republic is held up for the fact that the south as an entity is non-existent. Our case for recognition should not suffer for factors beyond our control. The U.K Parliament and International community should view our case on its own merit. INTERNATIONAL AID: The Republic of Somaliland is in a dire need of International aid. Infrastructures, water supply systems, hospitals, schools, and entire cities and villages are pilled to the ground by the Somalian army. Minefield was indiscriminately planted throughout the country. Demeaning presents a problems that the Somaliland government and the public are Determined to put their maximum efforts to help themselves. NGO’s , International organizations etc, are given maximum cooperation and protection of their staffs live and properties. HOW LONG SHOULD WE WAIT? The destruction, which the southern army of occupation has inflicted, is unparalleled entire cities and villages are pulled to the ground. Indiscriminate planting of minefields further cripples the possibility of reconstruction. As the former masters of the North, Southern politicians old or new unlikely to easily come to terms with the fact-of-life reality that has emerged. Aid donor, NGO’s and International organizations are request to consider the unique case of the Republic of Somaliland unlike other disaster-stricken situations our country has to start reconstruction and rehabilitation right from the scratch. In all other situations the devastation and destruction were not total or nationwide. In our case we are left with a physical environment devoid of every thing to live on, and a destitute population a refugee population robbed of all their independent means of livelihood. We have to realize that we are not different from the former Yugoslavia, and former Soviet Union, who break up into different independent countries. If Ukrain, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, and Bosnia can be a Sovereign countries, why not in Somaliland? We have to have the will, the political will and collective will. We have a right to get self-determination and get recognition from the world. Everybody must believe and understand that the past can no longer be re-created, and there will be no more of the artificial Nation-State of the SO-CALLED-GREAT-SOMALIA. We have dreams; dreams born of the new mood of desperation; Dream of sovereignty of dignity, of education, health, employment, social welfare and so on. YOUR EXCELLENCY: If you can look into the faces of those whose world have been torn famine and war and feel in some way responsible. You know the meaning of love If you can see people with little or no hope and know that their survival is very much licked to your own. You know the meaning of brotherhood. If you can feel that those of you, who have been blessed with abundance should share with those less fortunate. You know the meaning of charity. If you can look into the eyes of hungry child and feel the pains. You know the meaning of compassion. If you can travel to the end of the world to bring hope to those who would otherwise never know it. You know the meaning of courage. And if you can see a smile in the faces of those who should have no reason to smile. You know that there is still time. TO CAN GIVE US RECOGNITION I should therefore be considered for immediate recognition and development aid in order to help us cope with tremendous problems we face. ANIIS ABDILLAHI ESSA WASHINGTON DC ADVACTE FOR SOMALILAND RECOGNITION. ANIIS@YAHOO.COM 202-460-2038 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOO MAAL Posted April 27, 2005 Statement Of KULMIYE (Rally For Unity And Development) Hargeisa,Somaliland 5 February, 2004 Kulmiye Party Statement of KULMIYE (Rally for Unity and Development) To The Parliamentary Delegation from the United Kingdom to Somaliland 25 January 2004 Hargeisa, Somaliland It is our greatest pleasure to welcome you to Somaliland and to let you know how much we appreciate your visit. Your delegation represents the largest group to visit Somaliland from the United Kingdom in recent memory and we hope we will together rekindle our long historical relationship. Your visit is short, but we still hope that it will give you a flavor of Somaliland’s multidimensional society. KULMIYE is one of Somaliland’s three national political parties. In the most recent elections our party received 42.7% of the votes cast, just 0.1% less than the winning party. It is a measure of Somaliland’s maturity that, in spite of this narrowest of margins, no disturbances took place and peace was maintained. Somaliland is proud of its recent history. For more than 12 years, we have survived and prospered in the face of international ostracism and marginalization. We have built peace out of chaos. We have improved on that peace by laying the foundation for a solid, democratic governance that can be matched by few countries in the third word. Our private sector is creating prosperity that is quickly erasing 40 years of corruption and neglect by successive southern Somalia governments and the effects of a brutal and genocidal civil war. Nonetheless, the entire international community has ignored our achievements. The recognition we deserve from your country and other countries has not been accorded to us. As a result, we are unable to move forward beyond where we are. We cannot access international financial institutions, participate adequately in international trade and investment, and cannot develop even our own resources. Sadly, this hostility towards us is based not on any justifiable and overriding international necessity, but on a misreading of our history and on the wishes and designs of warlords in southern (former Italian) Somalia. We are in effect being held hostage to the needs of these warlords who have wrecked havoc on their own people and who have been unable to consummate a single agreement even after the good will and generous assistance of the entire international community. These warlords have found that disturbing Somaliland’s peace and stability serves their needs and have now started to foment conflict within Somaliland’s own boundary. The silence of the international community and their lukewarm calls for a ceasefire are, in our view, tantamount to rewarding the aggressor and punishing the peacemaker. We hope your august delegation will push the United Kingdom to remember the 86 years of relationship with Somaliland. We feel that the United Kingdom has neglected us completely. On the contrary, other European powers have been kinder to their old friends in this region. France has maintained a good and strong relationship with Djibouti and, in spite of the chaos that rages in southern Somalia, Italy is still very much engaged in what goes on there almost always at our expense. The international community has given Somaliland only a meager support and often grudgingly and in ways that do not respond to our priorities. Our achievements have been entirely our own. We are proud of this, but we sincerely hope that you will impress upon your government that the people of Somaliland deserve the much touted peace dividend. In particular, we urge you and the rest of the international community to: Give a reasonable and judicious review to Somaliland’s case for recognition and full sovereignty. We are confident that Somaliland’s case is legally and politically sound. We hope our old friend, the United Kingdom, will take the lead in this effort. Help strengthen Somaliland’s nascent democracy and the fundamental institutions that are necessary for the democratic process. KULMIYE believes that the quickest route to proper and balanced development for the people of Somaliland is through true democracy. As you may all know, Somaliland has completed elections for local councils and the Presidency, but that the pillar of democracy, the national legislature, has yet to be formed under as indicated by our own constitution through an election process. On 4/7/2003, the three national political parties agreed to elections for the national legislature no later than the summer of 2004. We still hope that this election will take place as agreed, but we are worried that our government will drag this process longer than necessary and in effect short-circuit the democratic process. 3. Somaliland has been part of the British Empire for nearly a century. We belong to the Commonwealth nations that have shared this history and we ask that Somaliland be given observer status in the Commonwealth until such that time that we are able to become a full-fledged member. We hope that this delegation will impress upon the United Kingdom to consider giving Somaliland much more assistance and that this assistance fits our own identified priorities. We humbly site the following as examples of appropriate assistance: · Somaliland has emerged successfully from the emergency and relief phase. It needs development assistance, therefore, we urge the UK to increase assistance to our social sector, health, education and human resource development. · Helping our democratic institutions: the legislature, the judiciary and free media by urging the involvement of United Kingdom organizations and organs that can help us develop good and sound governance. We believe that effective political parties are essential to the democracy, but our parties are newborn and resource poor and need much assistance in the short term. · Re-establish scholarship and exchange programs. · Help Somaliland in overcoming the obstacles posed by the lack of recognition. It may be possible, with the assistance of the United Kingdom, to develop innovative solutions to overcome some of these obstacles and help us emerge out of the shadow of obscurity. We sincerely hope that your visit is not the last that you and your colleagues make to Somaliland. Our party is committed to the creation of an independent and prosperous Somaliland that is able to take care of all of its citizens. We will continue to work hard to attain these goals. We also reaffirm that Somaliland is no longer part of Somalia. The Union that we entered voluntarily in 1960 with Italian Somalia has not served us well. That union concerns as no longer. We are, therefore, not involved and will not participate in the “reconciliation†meeting currently taking place in Kenya. In deed, there is no reason for us to abandon our hard earned peace, stability and economic progress for an illusive reconciliation effort that after 15 efforts has not yet produced a single meaningful result. Thank you and we wish a safe and pleasant journey home! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wind.talker Posted April 27, 2005 Man, when will they quit whining about how they're the orphans of the English queen? :confused: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted April 27, 2005 ^^its politics saxib, if i wanted something from you then a complement may be in order just to get what i wanted, capish? Politics is a game of chess, sometimes you may need to send your bishop to an obvious death/capture, this makes the opponent/associate feel good about himself (confident) but your focus is still on the main prize (the Queen = recognition)in the hope of getting what you want. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
