NASSIR Posted February 2, 2008 PUNTLAND: Weekly Cabinet Meeting Saturday, 02-Feb 2008 Garowe, Puntland: The weekly cabinet meeting was chaired by the President H.E. Mohamud Musse Hersi. The Vice President, Hon. Hassan Dahir Mohamud and members of the Council of Ministers were also present. The Minister of Security, Gen. Abdullahi Said Samatar addressed the meeting regarding the current security in the State. Minister Samatar stated that the main concern regarding State security is in the area of human resource development (especially in the State’s police force). Minister Samatar stated that many of the highly qualified police officers have either retired, died during the conflict in Somalia or have left the State since the collapse of the Somali Government. This has seriously drained the knowledge base of the police force. The Minister Stated that the recruitment of new police officers from the State’s secondary school graduates needs to be a priority. The Minister Samatar also stated that the illegal printing of counterfeit Somali Shillings (which has caused inflation), human trafficking, pirating and the recent incidents of kidnappings are the State’s main security concerns. Minister Samatar added in the area of the kidnapping many of the main criminal elements involved have either been captured or killed during the recent police operations in the city of Bossaso. The Minister concluded by stating that while Puntland continues to a peaceful place, his Ministry has now developed a plan to immediately address the security risks that have been identified. Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and the Environment Hon. Ali Jama Farah spoke about his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates. The Minister stated the purpose of the visit was to promote and market the Puntland livestock sector. Minister Jama also added, the Puntland Delegation was able establish relationships with the Dubai Government and the Government of Ras Al Khamiah regarding assistance in the marketing of Puntland Livestock and in the area of animal health. Minister of the Interior Hon. Abirshid Jama also addressed the meeting. The Minister stated he has met with all the regional governors of the State and the Minister is also planning to visit each region to further assess the needs of each region. The Ministry of the Interior will then develop an action plan to address these needs During the meeting it was also decided that a committee will be established via a Presidential Decree to address the problems concerning the printing of money within State and inflation. SOURCE: Puntland.gov Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
