Somali gov't, opposition group begin talks
Addis Ababa, May 13 (WIC) - Talks between the Government of Somali and an opposition group began today in the neighboring Djibouti, according to UN News Center.
Top United Nations envoy to Somalia ,Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said that he was pleased that leaders have made the well-being and safety of their people their priority.
The talks are bringing together the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia.
The talks heard addresses from the Special Representative, the TFG, the Alliance and Djibouti’s Minister of Muslim Affairs, as well as statements by the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States and the European Union (EU).
In a statement last week, Ould-Abdallah said that this meeting is “a clear indication that Somalis are willing to respect their commitments when they believe in what they are doing.”
“The overall objective of this meeting is to prepare the ground for a peaceful and brotherly relationship between Somalis and to initiate the first step towards real stability, true peace and sincere reconciliation based on forgiveness,” the Special Representative said, adding that progress in these areas should pave the way for concrete UN assistance for durable stability in Somalia.
