UNPOS attends civil society meeting in Entebbe
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UNPOS representatives attended a meeting called “Bringing together Somali civil society in the quest for peace” organized by the Somalia based Center for Research and Dialogue along with Saferworld and Interpeace in Entebbe Uganda.
The meeting, from 11 – 13 March 2008 brought together some 80 individuals representing civil society groups both inside Somalia and from the diaspora, academics, journalists, clan elders, human rights activists, business people and supporters of both the TFG and opposition. The meeting looked at a range of issues including women’s participation, local governance and the role of the business community.
It was addressed by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda who said the problem of Somalia was underdevelopment and that Civil Society could help the country through economic development.
The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said in a speech read on his behalf, that a key part of change in Somalia would come from Civil Society. Speech
UN Special Representative for Somalia pleased with reaction to Government reconciliation plan
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Nairobi, 14 March 2008:The United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has said he is very pleased by the positive reaction from a number of interested Somali parties, in particular the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, to the announcement by the Transitional Government on holding discussions with the opposition.
The SRSG said he would be in touch with all the concerned parties to discuss the timing, agenda and venue for talks which would only be announced after careful consultation. Press release
UN Special Representative for Somalia calls for support for reconciliation
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Nairobi, 12 March 2008: The United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has welcomed the announcement by Somalia’s transitional government that it is ready to talk to, and is nominating a team to lead the discussions with the opposition.
“I particularly welcomed the fact that President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein, the Speaker Sheikh Hassan Madobe and the Transitional Federal Government have officially confirmed their desire and commitment to discuss peace and stability without conditions,” said Mr Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah. Press release
Final declaration from the meeting of businessmen and women from and operating in Somalia
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Dubai, 29 January 2008: The meeting organized by the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in Dubai (UAE) brought together business people from Africa and the Middle East, personalities from Europe and the United States and members of the Somali business community. The meeting, entitled: “The Private Sector: a Tool for Peace in Somalia” was aimed at assessing the economic situation in Somalia and the opportunities that could allow the country to move from a war to a peace economy.
The meeting identified a wide range of economic sectors that could boost the Somali economy including livestock and livestock products, agriculture, money transfer, telecommunications, infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, transport and tourism.
Businessmen and women from Africa and the Middle East came to the conclusion that despite the 17 years of crisis, the Somali economy is still stronger than that of many countries in Africa in terms of Gross Domestic Product and imports and exports. They also agreed that current business opportunities could be increased with stability in the country.
The Somali participants witnessed the expression of will, the interest and commitment of their counterparts from Africa and the Middle East to join with the efforts by the Somalis to move from crisis and stagnation to economic growth.
The non-Somali participants called on the Somalis to help create an environment conducive to investment including political, security and social stability. They expressed their readiness to consider ways and means to encourage the Somalis to follow a ‘critical path’ that will lead to the stability necessary for political, economic and social development.
The meeting requested UNPOS to impress upon the parties in Somalia to put the interests of the country before other interests, and work towards the return of peace and security.
UN Special Representative convenes high level meeting on the private sector in Somalia
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Nairobi, 25 January 2008 - The United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has called a consultative meeting to discuss how the private sector can help promote peace in Somalia. Press release
UN Special Representative for Somalia calls for the release of two women from Medecins Sans Frontières
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Nairobi, 26 December 2007: The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Mr Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has said he is shocked by the kidnapping of two staff members working for Medecins Sans Frontieres in Bosasso, Puntland. Press release
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