PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ISTANBUL PRE-CONFERENCE
May 28, 2012
PRESS RELEASE|
The Ministry of Constitution, Federalism and Reconciliation wishes to
express its grave concern on the selection of the civil society groups for the
Somali Istanbul Pre-Conference. As already highlighted by many parts of the
Somali Society, including key signatories of the Road Map, the selection
process lacks transparency, and may inadvertently impact the progress made thus
far on the End of Transition processes. A quick glance at the invitee list
shows that the civil society members are not inclusive and exclude mainstream
civil society groups. Furthermore, politically motivated members of the
parliament and politicians were amongst the so called civil society groups that
went to Istanbul.
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| PM Abdiweli and Minister Hosh |
The Minister of Constitution, Federalism and Reconciliation H.E. Abdurahman
Hosh Jibril said “We register our displeasure that an unrepresentative
self-selected group within the pre-conference attendees have hijacked and thus
politicized an integral part of the process, a fact which could potentially
undermine the integrity and the spirit of all of the agreements and principles
agreed to by all stakeholders in the last 9 months, including the recent Addis
Ababa Communiqué.” The Minister welcomed an urgent and timely resolve to
the concerns of the Somali people by working closely with the Turkish
government in ensuring the success of this Pre-Conference and the Istanbul
Conference II.
The Ministry acknowledges the full commitment of the government and the people
of Somalia to the fruitful results of the recent Addis Ababa Meeting and
reminds all of our international partners of the importance of unity of purpose
on ending the transition. We call for the continued and unreserved support for
the Roadmap process, Mogadishu Consultative Conference, Mogadishu Civil Society
Meeting, the Garowe 1 and 2 Agreements, the Galkayo Agreement, the on-going
Traditional Leaders’ conference and the Addis Ababa Communiqué. The
Transitional Federal Government relies on the brotherly and friendly countries
of Somalia, inter alia the Turkish Government, to support the implementation of
the sustainable state-building process for peace.
The Minister further added that “we are looking forward for an urgent review of
our concerns in order to put the process on its right track. I must remind all
that at this critical juncture, the Somali government and its international
partners ought to show a unity of purpose so that we can end the transition as
expeditiously as outlined under the Roadmap agreements.”
The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia expresses gratitude for the
developmental and humanitarian role played by Turkey and for its continued
support for the people of Somalia. Equally, the Transitional Federal Government
is deeply appreciative of the good intentions of the Turkish government in
convening and facilitating the Istanbul Conference to rally the support of the
international community for Somalia’s future.
END
The
Minstry of Constitutional Affairs and Reconciliation
Office of
the Minister
