Kerry McCarthy MP Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has urged the international community to acknowledge the success that Somaliland has made for the past 25 years.
For marking 18 may, the 25th anniversary of Somaliland reclaiming its independence and separating from Somalia, the MP for Bristol East said, “Despite its former history as an independent country before the two countries [Somaliland and Somalia] attempted union, and 25 years as a stable, peaceful democracy since separation, Somaliland is yet to be recognised as an independent state.” In a statement published on the Facebook page ofSomaliland Community in Bristol, she stated: “Only with recognition can Somaliland achieve its full potential.”
@KerryMP and I with the wonderful Dr Edna Adan from Somaliland – we discussed recognition. pic.twitter.com/pectUi2ulD
— Thangam Debbonaire (@ThangamMP) May 17, 2016
Bristol MPs (Kerry McCarthy and Thangam Debbonaire with Edna Adan, former Somaliland Foreign Minister)
Statement on Somaliland from Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
“Today, May 18th, marks the 25th anniversary of the former British colony, Somaliland, separating from the former Italian colony, Somalia. Despite its former history as an independent country before the two countries attempted union, and 25 years as a stable, peaceful democracy since separation, Somaliland is yet to be recognised as an independent state. Only with recognition can Somaliland achieve its full potential, and I believe it is time for the international community to acknowledge this, and listen to the case for recognition.
Somalilanders in Bristol are making an important contribution to community life, and I am proud that Hibaq Jama has been re-elected as a Labour councillor. Many still maintain close ties with Somaliland and I know how important it is to them that Britain, as the former colonial power, takes a leading role in this process. I will do all I can, working with my colleagues in the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Somaliland, to encourage the Government to do so. Today’s presentation of a letter to the UK Prime Minister from the President of Somaliland will, I hope, produce a serious response and will help Somaliland move one step closer to being recognised as the independent country that it clearly is.”
smgbristol
