UN Special Representative for Somalia calls for support for  reconciliation

..............................................................................................

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.

“Their brothers in the opposition, civil society organizations and the diaspora have repeatedly expressed to me the same desire to join the discussion for peace and reconciliation. I am sure that the friends and neighbours of Somalia will encourage this commitment taken by the parties

“I have no doubt that all Somalis and their concerned friends, governments and organizations will support this move and that everyone would refrain from any action that might hinder these important steps.

“As requested by the Somali parties, I will assume the leadership role and will contact all sides to propose the timing and modalities for future discussions.”

For more information please contact: Susannah Price, Public Information Officer, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya) Tel. +254 20 762 1192 (o) or  +254 733 902020 (m).  
                                 Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org