PRESS RELEASE 008/2008
Nairobi, 2 April 2008 - The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has expressed satisfaction with the visit by the top leadership of the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) saying they had shown a determination to work together and to look to the future.
He said he was looking forward to receiving the list of names both from the TFG and from the opposition of those who would be involved in future talks. He stressed once again that he was pleased with the Reconciliation Strategy put forward by the President, Speaker and Prime Minister.
"These are very encouraging new developments and a positive sign of a commitment by the Somalis to rebuild their country and start again," said Mr Ould-Abdallah.
"I call on all friends of Somalia both in the region and outside to support these latest moves coming both from the TFG and the opposition,' he said.
"I know that due to the length of the crisis, some people are still unable to imagine Somalia at peace. However they must now join the peace efforts or they will find themselves shut out of the process altogether."
For more information please contact: Susannah Price, Public Information Officer, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya) Tel. +254 20 762 1192 (o) or +254 733 902020 (m). Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org