Somalia: Puntland regional government police boss on role of
security forces BBC MONITORING INTERNATIONAL REPORTS , March 02, 2000 Text of report by
Somali Puntland newspaper `Sahan' on 2nd March In an interview with a `Sahan' reporter,
Abdullahi Siid Samatar, the commander of the Puntland regional government (northeastern
Somalia) police, has said that police are ready to maintain peace, as they have done
before. On the current dispute over fishing right in waters off the coast of Bari Region,
the commander said: The country has security forces charged with the task of maintaining
security and law and order. Other than the legally set up security forces, it is illegal
for any group to usurp the forces' responsibilities, the police boss said. He said
individuals who had no links with security forces should stop speaking on their behalf. He
appealed to the public to help maintain law and order in Puntland. Source: `Sahan',
Boosaaso, in Somali 02 Mar 00 p 5