H.E President Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Silanyo on Tuesday met with a high level delegation comprising of European Union emissaries led by (Ms. Mette Knudsen), Holland (Mr. Frans Makken), Norway (Mr. Victor Conrad Ronneberg) and International Co-operation Agency UK DFIDfor Somaliland / Somalia (Mr. Phil Evans) and consisting of 11 members.
President Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Silanyo’s first and foremost thanked the visiting emissaries who representing the countries are in the forefront in supporting the development for undertaking the important visit. President Silanyo during the meeting discussed with the delegation on a number of issues, such as;
Upcoming Election Issues:
President Silanyo told the Ambassadors of Denmark, Holland, Norway and Britain that the government and people of Somaliland would like to express their profound for continuance in support the country in the democratization process , particularly in providing assistance to the National Electoral Commission on the ongoing Voter registration issues. The President told the delegation that the voter registration project is going well and will soon start a second region of Awdal region. The President also told the visiting delegation that the government is committed to holding a free and fair Presidential and Parliamentary election which are due take place in March 2017, so we hopes that you support continue to us in the electoral process.
The Federal Government of Somalia continued interference in Somaliland Internal Affairs:
President Silanyo also informed on the interference in Somaliland internal affairs by the federal government of Somalia, during the meeting with the Ambassadors of Denmark, Holland, Norway and Britain said this: “The communiqué recently issued Federal Government related electoral process will take place in 2016 in response to Somaliland will make a special election in contributing. Now, here I am again before you clearly to once again reaffirm the Republic of Somaliland does not include what is called a member of the Federal Government of Somalia. Our country is not part of, nor is in Anyway part of the federal system of government or shall it be part of any election will take place in 2016. Therefore, the word from the Federal Government is based on Fantasy and far from reality, meant to deceive and lure the international community and its citizens. Republic of Somaliland government came to being on the wishes of its people. We have a democratic system in our country; we have held several fair and free elections witnessed by the international community. Therefore, we were not part of federal government in the past, nor shall it will be part of any entity or formation called the Federal Republic of Somalia in the future.
On the issue of the execution carried out by Somaliland conducted:
President Silanyo further informed the Ambassadors of Denmark, Holland, Norway and Britain discussed the issue of capital punishment: “It is an understandable concern to governments are representatives expressed my government has recently carried out the execution, The concerns raised by your respective governments regarding the recent executions of convicted persons carried out by Somaliland government is understandable, and I received a number of applications requesting the government to stop the execution. However, I would like to clarify to you that the recently executions were quite consistent with our religion and the constitution of this country. Before any execution, Somaliland government makes examines every case carefully so as to make sure there is no judgmental error and also makes sure the law has being applied to avoid any thing which may put the legality of execution. Finally , the makes sure the courts judgment /decision was fair and in accordance with the wishes of victims family, both which are essential to strengthening peace and stability in our country has known.
Somaliland Development Plan:
President Silanyo during the meeting with the Ambassadors of Denmark, Holland, Norway and Britain, briefed them on the Somaliland Development Plan (National Development Plan) said this: “As you’re well aware off, Somaliland Development Plan is meant to last until 2016. At the moment, we are making plans to return our drawing table to evaluate what has been achieved, and which challenges need to be addressed. This will facilitate the setting Development Plan for the republic of Somaliland in the next five years. We have being receiving information/suggestions which states that the Somaliland Development Plan integrates with that of Somalia. We see this idea of inaccurate and incorrect. The Republic of Somaliland and Somalia are two entirely different through the different levels, and that every country has a good plan for development of the appropriate needs and special circumstances. ”
He continued, saying: “I am very pleased to hear that you have gone to visit projects funded by your respective governments and you have seen a positive change brought by the funds contributed by your governments towards development projects. You have seen the advantages of your direct assistance to our people, I would once again thank, and we urge you to continue to support us in promoting and funding development in the country. ”
Drought and Humanitarian Affairs:
President Silanyo also during the meeting with Ambassadors of Denmark, Holland, Norway and the United Kingdom Government and the delegation led by the Human Affairs humanitarian and drought, he said this: “You’re by now aware off, many parts of Somaliland have being hit by severe drought, resulting from the lack of rain and climate change and the lives of both men and animals are at risk. 150,000 (one hundred fifty thousand) people need emergency assistance; the efforts of both my government and fellow citizens aren’t enough. Therefore, we ask that you help us to give humanitarian aid and assistance. ”
