PasserBy Posted October 25, 2010 Press Statement Peace and Development Conference of Members of the Ethiopian-Somali Diaspora in the UK October 23, 2010 The Peace and Development Conference of the Ethiopian Somali Diaspora Community was held on 23rd October 2010 in London, United Kingdom. The Conference was attended from cross section of the Diaspora representing over 23 associations residing in the United Kingdom. The Community members expressed their full support to the recently signed peace agreement between the Government of Ethiopia on the one hand and the UWSLF and ONLF on the other. Representatives from community members including the youth, elders and women conveyed messages of staunch support for the recent peace accord and promised to contribute their share to the consolidation of democratic institutions and the promotion of sustainable development in the region. The conference was graced, among others, by the presence and active participation of: H.E. Abdulfatah Abdulahi, Chairman of the Ethiopian Somali People Democratic Party (ESPDP) and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, as well as H.E. Abdi Mohammed Omar, President of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. During the conference, the high level government delegation briefed the gathering about the political and socio-economic development of the Somali Regional State and nationwide. Representatives of the Diaspora community who have been to the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia also gave an eye witness account on achievements registered in the spheres of peace and development and called upon the Diaspora community to continue with fervour and commitment, to further strengthen the political and economic gains registered. Representatives of the signatories of the peace agreement from the UWSLF and ONLF, on their part expressed their readiness to work with the Federal Government as well as the Somali Regional State for the successful implementation of the peace agreement and work with full commitment to strengthen the democratic and development process in the region. The Ethiopian Consensus Forum in a statement at the conference expressed its solidarity and support for the peace accord signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the UWSLF and ONLF. It also congratulated the people of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia for its resolute support to the peace, stability and development in the region. The conference which drew a cross-section of Diaspora community in the United Kingdom, successfully concluded its deliberation by issuing a final communiqué. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PasserBy Posted October 25, 2010 Pics here: http://aigaforum.com/news/somali_region_londonews.php Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PasserBy Posted October 25, 2010 Communiqué of Participants at the London Peace and development Conference October 23, 2010 WE members of the Ethiopian Somali community in the UK met in London to discuss the significance of the peace agreement signed between the Ethiopian government on one side and UWSLF and ONLF on the other. Our conference is a milestone in bringing together the Ethiopian Diaspora Somali community to discuss the progress made in the region, particularly focusing on the major development activities which brought tangible changes in the livelihoods of our people. The briefings given by the high level delegation on the political , economic and social developments unfolding in our region and especially the Five year Growth and Transformation Plan has indeed given us a full insight to the bright future of the people of the region and the country at large. We therefore, Express our support to the agreement signed between the Ethiopian Government on the one hand and the UWSLF and ONLF on the other and pledge to safeguard the hard won peace and stability. Confirm our determination to contribute to the compliance and full implementation of the terms of the agreement. Deplore and condemn external forces, spoilers like the Eritrean Government, bent on destabilizing the region and hamper our development efforts. Call upon all political actors of the region to provide the requisite leadership needed at this historical juncture. Express our commitment to collectively and individually to mobilize the necessary human, material and financial resources to consolidate the democratic basis of our society and promote sustainable development. Underline the importance of convening periodic consultation conferences both in the region and abroad to give momentum to the peace and development agenda, and in this regard, we call upon the regional administration to insure the implementation of this recommendation. Urge the Somali Regional State to draw plans for familiarization trips which will give the youth, scholars, business people and elders in the Diaspora the opportunity to know more about their region so as to enable them contribute their share to the national Growth and Transformation plan. Call upon development partners of Ethiopia to live up to their responsibilities by taking measures against anti-peace groups, who use their respective capitals as a base for mobilization of resources for their terrorist act, which is targeted to undermine the peace and stability of Ethiopia. Commend all those who have made the London Peace and Development conference a success. London, UK, October 23rd, 2010 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
