Somalia awaits reconciliation

Activities of the national conference for Somali reconciliation started on May 2 are still on amid an atmosphere of cautious optimism.

Some 450 Somali figures representing various Somali factions are taking part, they were brought together by their backing to the peace initiative advocated by Djibouti, which appealed to all Somali factions to seize this opportunity to achieve national reconciliation in Somalia.

The expert in charge of the file of Somalia and the Horn of Africa at the Arab League Samir Hassan stressed that the delegation of the Arab League which took part in the conference under the chairmanship of the Arab League assistant secretary general for Inter-Arab affairs Ahmad Bin Hali stated that Djibouti initiative concerning Somalia has been put into actual implementation, adding that this has been materialized by convening the reconciliation conference which is expected to last for one month.

The conference is attended by chieftain of main and branch tribes who voiced backing for Djibouti's initiative. They include the former minister of defense at the government of President Seyad Berri and others.

Hassan added the Arab League delegation welcomed the call advocated by the President of Djibouti Ismael Omar Jelle in establishing the " solidarity Fund for building Somalia" and for rebuilding it according to an Arab plan.