By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The issue of any disputed areas between Somaliland and the Somalia administrative region of Puntland has been termed as non-existent
The jurisdictional negation was made by the speaker of the Somaliland house of Representative Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro and the Elder Saeed Jama Ali deputy chair of Guurti, parliament’s upper chamber during separate meetings with the UN Special Representative to Somaliland and Somalia cum Chief of the United Nations Somalia Mission-UNSOM Ambassador Nicholas Kay in Hargeisa.
After briefing on prevalent status in Somaliland pertinent to Security, Democratization process, Socio-economic development among others the heads of the two legislative chambers also informed on various constraints towards better livelihoods for the community most important being job creation.
As if synchronized Abdirahman Irro and Elder Saeed Jama who termed regular security troubles in the eastern parts of the country as one emanating from the expansionist policies under implementation by the Puntland authorities , succinctly told the ambassador that Somaliland does and has never at any time in its history occupied any territory outside its borders.
The sentiments expressed by the legislators is contrary to those held by counterparts in Garowe who accuse Somaliland of forcefully occupying Sool Sanaag and Cayn (Ain) regions which it, Puntland claims are within its territorial jurisdiction though facts on the ground indicate that the areas are within Somaliland boundaries as demarcated by Britain and Italy over a century ago. .
Urging the UNSOM chief to intervene and thence deter further conflict between Somaliland and Somalia the legislators also asked for a rethink on the international community’s position on Khatumo, a state said to be under establishment within Somaliland boundaries.
On his UN Mission Amb Nicholas Kay who said he was very impressed by achievements garnered by Somalilanders said that UNSOM and entire UN institutions under its wings shall cooperate fully with the Hargeisa based parliament and provide related development support necessary.
