EU foreign policy Chief welcomes deal on Somalia election model

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia-The European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini has expressed her appreciation with the recent agreement signed between Somalia Federal Government and the northeastern State of Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

Mogherini hailed the deal on election model during a meeting with Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom.

Foreign Minister Adhanom on his side said, he has big trust that 2016 election would be a reality in Somalia after parties agreed to a four-point agreement that included blueprint for election modality, Upper House, democratic roadmap by 2020 and monitored implementation for the agreement.

Seeking to foster strategic engagement in the continent, EU Foreign Policy Chief also praised Ethiopia’s role.

On Sunday, UN-backed national government and Puntland agreed to sticky point that has entailed controversial 4.5 power sharing formula.

Visiting regional and international diplomats applauded the agreement as a landmark following months of deadlock over whether Somalia should continue with the quota.

Adhanom is the guarantor of the bilateral deal as the Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers.

In reaction at social media storm, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali appeared on State Television, PLTV’, defending the balance struck between difficult compromises over the course of negotiations.

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has visited Puntland to ease challenges facing the national poll slated for August later this year over a week ago. Sharmarke listened to the views of government officials, politicians and civil society groups.

GAROWEONLINE