Somali parliament opens works in Nairobi
Somalia, Politics, 8/23/2004

The new Somali parliament for the interim phase opened its deliberations yesterday in an important step in the attempt to end 13 years of chaos, in the absence of representatives for the Puntland ( northern west of the country) which had announced independence unilaterally.

This is the first time, since the collapse of the Somali President Muhammad Seyad Berri in 1991 in which a parliament is composed that is recognized by the warlords in the country. Johm Koush who presides over the ministerial committee in the government authority for development IGAD said " it is a historic event that will bring in hope for the people of Somalia." He announced before the new parliamentarians who represent the main tribes in the country -- amid applause -- that "you will be peace makers."

In a statement, the UN secretary general Kofi Annan said "It is the beginning of a long-waited-for reconciliation." Some 194 out of the 275 parliamentarians in the representation council, took their oath at the UN offices in Nairobi. It was presumed that 216 parliamentarians will also take the oath, but they did not perform all necessary measures due for that.

Previous Stories:
  UN Security Council extends the mission of monitoring weapons banning to Somalia   (8/19/2004)
  IGAD demands the formation of a Somali government before the month end   (7/17/2004)
  Scores killed in clashes to the west of Somalia   (6/2/2004)

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