Latest UNPOS Press release on reconciliation process

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Nairobi, 4 April 2008: The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has called on all Somalis, particularly business people, politicians and the Diaspora to remain fully committed to the ongoing peace process.

He said he had invited the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) to Nairobi to discuss the future of the country. He is happy with the ongoing discussions so far and is hopeful that they will lead to a dialogue with the TFG and an end to the long suffering of the people. He pointed out that the UN has a fruitful relationship with the TFG and is pleased with their work towards reconciliation.

“I congratulate the President, Speaker and Prime Minister for coming forward and being the first to draw up the reconciliation plan,” he said.

“I see it as a good sign that the Somali parties are genuinely concerned about the situation in their country,’ he said. “I would like all Somalis to give this new approach a chance. The conflict has been totally unproductive and Somalis must not give in to those who continue to try to divide them. They need to strengthen their ranks, consolidate national unity and understand that power sharing is the best way forward.”

He said that while Somalis fight each other, their onshore and offshore natural resources were being plundered by others.

“I believe that true Somali patriots should be fighting the most important battle in Somalia today which is for unity and prosperity.”

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