By: Yusuf M Hasan
ISTANBUL (Somalilandsun) – A Joint Somaliland and Somalia Communiqué is expected soon following the conclusion of dialogue held in Istanbul from 7th-9th July 2013.
The Somaliland and Somalia negotiators have been conduction their internationally sanctioned dialogue in the Turkish city of Istanbul under the leadership of Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar and Mr Abdikarim Guleid respectively.
While an official communiqué is yet to be issued Somalilandsun sources indicate that this time around Somaliland negotiators have made their brethren proud by achievements made in discussions that are expected to read like this:
Quote- In accordance with the framework agreements reached in Chevening, Dubai and Ankara, delegations from Somaliland and Somalia met in Istanbul between 7 and 9 July 2013 with the assistance of the Turkish Government. In accordance with the agreements codified in the Ankara Communiqué of 13 April 2013, this round of the dialogue sought to establish additional parameters for the Dialogue, and to further clarify relations between the two governments. The delegations also addressed specific issues that have arisen since the previous meeting.
The two sides:
1. Acknowledged the atrocities committed against the people of Somaliland by the government of Somalia under the military regime of Siad Barre.
2. The Somali Federal Government and Somaliland Governments agreed to set up a joint committee to evaluate the damage before dealing with these historical wounds.
3. Called on a broader range of third-party governments and international organisations to provide regular facilitation and support to the Dialogue process.
4. Welcomed the possibility that future rounds of the dialogue could take place in Somaliland or Somalia when deemed appropriate by both parties. This is subject to approval by the Somaliland Parliament.
5. Agreed that the Somali Federal Government will support the Somaliland Government’s separate representation in international discussions on issues with relevance to its people. This is subject to approval by the Somali Federal Parliament.
6. Approved the right of the Somaliland Government to be the sole arbiter of agreements for international investment in the area encompassing the Somaliland territory, including the exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
7. Agreed to establish a bilateral control body in Hargeisa to jointly manage the air traffic control of both sides, and to create a mechanism for equitable revenue-sharing.
8. Agreed upon the establishment of set procedures and protocol arrangements for future rounds of the dialogue (detailed separately).
Signature Signature
Mr Abdikarim Guleid Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar
Somalia Somaliland
