Somalia: Puntland Government Welcomes EU Support
31 Jul 31, 2009 - 5:09:54 AM
On Monday, July 27, 2009, the Council of the European Union released its conclusions on the status of Somalia, which included remarks on the Puntland State of Somalia.
Press Release| (Dubai, UAE) – During its 2958th Council meeting, the Council of the European Union decided to step up the European Union's engagement for promoting peace and development in Somalia. This new commitment is in line with High Representative Javier Solana's previous recommendations. In addition to Solana's recommendations, General Affairs and External Relations President, Carl Bildt adopted the following conclusion about the Puntland State of Somalia.
"The Council encourages constructive engagement from all regions of Somalia, including Puntland and Somaliland, in building an environment of trust and cooperation to mutual benefit," Bildt said. “The Council also recognizes that the situation in Somalia must be addressed in a regional and international context, with all neighbouring states playing a constructive role for a lasting and peaceful solution to the present conflict.''
"The situation in Somalia remains one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The Council agrees that support in the security sector should be well coordinated, notably with the AU, the UN and other relevant EU partners, in particular the US," Bildt said.
Upon notification by the EU, Puntland State of Somalia President Abdirahman Farole expressed a deep sense of gratitude to his partners in the fight against extremism and piracy.
"The Puntland State of Somalia welcomes the support from the European Union, African Union, United Nations and the United States," President Farole said. "With the monsoon season about to end, the immediate financial support from our friends is vital to the safety and security of our major port."
Puntland state, established in 1998, is an autonomous region in north-eastern Somalia which is one third of Somali surface land and with an estimated population of three million people.
Puntland Government is very concerned about the stream of refugees from the southern of Somalia. Puntland government is urgently calling the international community to intervene the looming humanitarian crisis which will be created by influx of the addition internal displaced people (IDPs) into Puntland which will impact on security, health and economy of the state.
Office of the President
Puntland State of Somalia
