Istanbul Declaration promises support for Puntland airports

[General Duke]

Istanbul Declaration promises support for Puntland airports

25 May 25, 2010 - 7:47:46 AM

 

A U.N.-sponsored conference for Somalia that was recently concluded in Istanbul, Turkey has build a strong police and military, achieve peace and stability and eradicate piracy, Radio Garowe reports.

 

A declaration released after the conference expressed support for Somalia's fragile federal institutions and strengthening ties with stable regions like Puntland to eradicate lawlessness both in the mainland and sea.

 

The Conference encouraged focus on the six initial priority areas identified as telecommunications, transport infrastructure, livestock exports; fisheries, banking and remittances and alternative energy.

 

In particular it called for support to fund the completion of Bossaso and Garowe airports, a move that was welcomed by Puntland government led by President Abdirahman Mohammed Farole.

 

If implemented, the local administration and people with support from international community would effectively deal the issues such as piracy that is threatening to undercut the maritime activities of the region and the world.

 

Since its inception in early 2009, Farole’s government has made headways in eradicating lawlessness from the region’s shorelines, giving pirates hard time to carry out their illegal activities.

 

The region enjoys relative peace compared to the south central parts of Horn of Africa nation that continues to be plagued by fighting between government forces and its backers on one hand and Islamist rebels on the other.

 

GAROWE ONLINE