UN Special Representative commends President Yusuf’s initiative to meet with former Presidents Abdikassim and Ali Mahdi

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Nairobi, 11 January - The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, François Lonseny Fall, warmly welcomed the positive outcome of talks this week between President Abdullahi Yusuf and former Somali Presidents Abdikassim Salad Hassan and Ali Mahdi.

“This is a hopeful sign and an important step towards reconciliation in Somalia,” Ambassador Fall said. I commend President Yusuf and Prime Minister Gedi for this initiative which is in line with the appeal made to the TFG by the international community to commence an inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders in Somalia. “I would strongly encourage them to move forward and to continue to reach out to all those in Somalia who have a stake in the country’s peace and stability.”

President Yusuf held closed-door meetings with the former Somali Presidents at Villa Somalia, the presidential palace in Mogadishu, on Wednesday.

After their meeting, President Yusuf told reporters that he and former President Abdikassim had discussed elements of the current situation in Somalia and agreed on them. Mr. Abdikassim said they were both in agreement that international and African peacekeepers should come to Somalia immediately to replace the Ethiopian forces now supporting the Transitional Federal Government.

“The continuation of such meetings with key political actors would send a strong message to the Somali people that reconciliation is indeed possible in Somalia and that differences that have festered through some 16 years of conflict can be resolved,” Ambassador Fall said.

Ambassador Fall added that the United Nations and international community were committed to supporting the TFG and the opportunity it now had to bring about an all- inclusive process aimed at peace and reconciliation in Somalia.

“Somalia desperately needs reconciliation and a political settlement that is based on the Transitional Federal Charter and includes religious leaders, clan elders, women, youth, the business community and other members of civil society, ” he said.

“When leaders agree, as we have seen this week, it is much easier for others to follow.”

For more information please contact: UN Political Office for Somalia(Nairobi, Kenya) Tel. +254 20 762 21 31 Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org