Somalilanders agree on way forward to presidential elections
Source: United Nations Political Office for Somalia
Date: 02 Oct 2009
PRESS RELEASE 027/2009
Nairobi, 02 October 2009 – The UN Special Representative for
Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has congratulated Somaliland
officials on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the way
forward to holding presidential elections which had been previously
postponed.
"Let me congratulate the Somaliland political parties on this
courageous step towards a peaceful and successful outcome to the
impasse that had characterized their political life of late," he
said.
"I wish to reiterate that the signing of the Memorandum is but a
step in the right direction, which should lead to the holding of a
free, fair and peaceful plebiscite, and that a lasting and durable
solution lies with the parties themselves through peaceful means."
"This MOU is a testament to the Somalilanders' tradition of
resolving internal conflict peacefully as well as a credit to the
public officials who understand their role as civil servants.
"The example set by the Somaliland parties should serve as a major
encouragement to all Somalis that only through dialogue, compromise
and tolerance, can a win-win situation be achieved. Violence will
never achieve what peaceful dialogue can.
"I would also like to pay tribute
to the invaluable mediation role played by the international
community, and encourage it to continue its support for the people
of Somaliland as they continue on their path to peace and
reconciliation and peaceful elections."
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