Somalia: Puntland president opens Parliament's 29th session in Garowe 28 Oct 28, 2012 - 3:22:27 PM
GAROWE, Somalia Oct. 28, 2012 (Garowe Online) - The president of Puntland government in northern Somalia opened the 29th ordinary session of the Puntland Parliament on Sunday in the state capital Garowe, Garowe Online reports.
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole [left] and Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi [Oct. 28, 2012 Garowe]
President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, accompanied by Vice President Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire and Cabinet ministers, attended the opening among 46 Members of Parliament and addressed a number of issues in his opening speech.
Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, the Puntland Parliament Speaker, said the 29th session would debate the government's 2013 proposed budget and ratify newly appointed government ministers.
President Farole stated that Puntland has played a significant role in the process to end the transition in Somalia, while highlighting Puntland's contribution to national politics.
Addressing the Jubaland issue, President Farole reiterated earlier comments that "certain elements are inciting hoslities in Jubaland regions."
Continuing, the Puntland leader said: "The people of Puntland and the people of Jubaland share many ties and we appeal for reconciliation among local communities towards the formation of an inclusive Jubaland administration. We will also send a Puntland delegation to Kismayo."
President Farole, speaking on the democratization process in Puntland, stated that "Puntland is advancing towards multiparty elections" and hailed this step as a historic milestone.
"Establishing political parties and competitive multiparty elections was one of my election promises in 2008 and today Puntland is heading in the right direction," said President Farole.
Puntland, located in northeastern Somalia, has been relatively stable for decades with its own constitution, government and parliament.
