Statement of the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia – Francois Lonseny Fall -  to the First Extraordinary Session of the Transitional Federal Parliament in Baidoa, 26 Feb. 2006

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Excellency, Mr. President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
Honourable Speaker, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden,
Excellency, Mr. Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi,
Honourable Members of the Somali Transitional Federal Parliament
Excellencies and Honoured Guests,

Today marks a turning point in the history of Somalia. The Somali Transitional Federal Parliament is meeting inside the country for the first time. And after waiting for so many years, the Somali people have reason to hope that this is the day when they can start to rebuild their nation.

The Somali people and the International Community that stands behind them have traveled a long and difficult road to get to where we are today. As the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, this day has been an intensely personal quest since I assumed office last year. I am proud to stand here with you today, in partnership with other members of the international community, to offer you our fullest support and best wishes for the future.

I would like to seize this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the bilateral and multilateral partners of Somalia for the prompt assistance they so generously provided for the convening of this historic event.

This is an especially proud moment for all Somalis, and for the Transitional Federal Institutions and their leaders, especially President Yusuf, Speaker Sharif and Prime Minister Gedi, whose bold efforts made the Aden Declaration of 5 January this year possible. The leaders of the TFIs have reaffirmed by their presence here today, their commitment to that Declaration. Most importantly their presence also signals a commitment to the leadership, vision and courage that will be needed to see it through.
Honourable Members of Parliament,

An enormous responsibility has been placed on your shoulders today. But as you face the challenges ahead, you should draw strength from the hope, trust and confidence that the Somali people have placed in you. They have shown faith in your ability to represent them and to fulfill their aspirations for peace and a better future.

It hardly needs repeating here today, but the future of your country is in your hands.  You have arrived at a crossroad and you have a choice that should be easy to make. It should be the easiest choice that you will ever have to make. It is a choice - either to allow anarchy and chaos to prevail in your country – or to lead the Somali people towards reconciliation and reconstruction, peace and prosperity. The Somali people and the international community expect you to make the right choice.

The hopes of a nation are riding on the successful outcome of this first ever session of parliament inside Somalia. And I can assure you that the United Nations and the international community will be with you each step of the way, supporting you and encouraging you.  But you must lead the way.

I am confident that with hard work, sincerity and unity of purpose, you will fulfill your role, Insh’Allah, and leave behind a legacy that the Somali people will remember with pride. This is an historic opportunity. It is yours to seize. Please use it for the betterment of Somalia and its people.
 
I wish you the very best.

Thank you.