Editor's Note: This press statement was sent directly to Garowe Online by Somaliland's new Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just like press statements from the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Mogadishu or from the Government of Puntland. We have decided to share with our readership. Somaliland is a separatist republic in Northwest Somalia with no international recognition.

Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation

Ref. PR/MOFAIC/10-01
Date: 13 August 2010

PRESS STATEMENT:

The new government of the Republic of Somaliland, under the leadership of President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud ‘Silanyo’, is firmly committed to the promotion of peace and security with, and amongst, our neighbours in the region. Over almost twenty years, we have worked hard to establish a durable peace within Somaliland, learning from mistakes and building on achievements. The new government will not tolerate any group or individuals that aim to harm our peace and that of our neighbours.

In creating a political space in which it is possible for the people of Somaliland to express their views and debate the course of the country, we will be able to avoid the establishment of viable militant groups in Somaliland. Regrettably, however, we have seen their ability to undertake actions in Somaliland in the past, as they did elsewhere. But the new government will spare no time in preventing those who support such actions from gaining any permanent foothold in Somaliland.

Having laboured so hard to consolidate our own peace, we retain a strong commitment to the promotion of regional security. As we seek to build on our stability, we wish to continue to deepen our relationships with all of our neighbours and with international  partners. We look forward to continued expansion of opportunities to work together in all arenas, including those most directly related to regional security.

Somaliland's Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation