Hargeisa, (HargeisaPress) — Two weeks after talks between Somalia’s government and the breakaway Somaliland region collapsed, Somaliland’s government rejected more talks with Somali government without third party mediations.
Mohamed Bihi Yonis, Somaliland’s foreign minister warned the region would boycott more talks with the Somali government, blaming it for the responsibility of the collapse of the Turkish-sponsored talks.
“We are committed in staying away from more talks without third party mediations – we made our positions towards that clear to the international community.” He told BBC Somali service on Wednesday.
He suggested IGAD-led mediations for the upcoming talks, referring Ethiopia as the second option.
“We are urging immediate interventions by the international community.” He added. Even though the two sides held two previous talks in Djibouti and Turkey, disputes remain up in the air.
No comment could be reached from Somali officials on the latest development. Somaliland which declared a unilateral independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991 has been seeking an international recognition, however, their efforts haven’t so far proved successful.
Somalia tries to convince Somaliland to reunite with Somalia, an approach long dismissed by Somaliland.
Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, March 18, 2015