PUNTLAND AUTHORITIES TO BOYCOTT
PEACE CONFERENCE IN DJIBOUTI
Text of report by Radio Gaalkacyo, in Somali 1630 gmt 24 Mar 00
Mr Muhammad Abdi Hashi, the vice-president of the Puntland regional
government [northeastern Somalia], and Hasan Abshir Farah, the minister
of internal affairs and security today addressed a public rally in Garoowe, the capital of
the regional government.
The leaders explained why the government had announced its decision not to participate in
the forthcoming Somali national conference being organized by Djibouti. The minister of
interior told the rally that the Djibouti government had refused to take into account
proposals put forward by Puntland, thus ignoring the aspirations and wishes of Puntland
people. He said Djibouti had ignored calls that occupied regions by such faction leaders
as Husayn Aydid [chairman of the Somali National Alliance] be returned to their original
owners before any conference was held.
For his part, the vice-president said it was illogical for Puntland's views to be ignored.
He said by ignoring Puntland's views Djibouti wanted to divide the Somali people
politically. He said unlike other Somali regions, Puntland had always stood for the
restoration of the country's sovereignty...
Source: Radio Gaalkacyo, in Somali 1630 gmt 24 Mar 00