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NAIROBI, 08 May 2008 (UNPOS)–The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has expressed optimism ahead of talks between the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia due to open in Djibouti on May 10 2008.

Mr Ould-Abdallah said he was happy for Somalia as “this is the first time that the Somali parties have agreed to meet with limited number of delegates, on a scheduled date within a specified time frame and at a planned venue.”

He added: “This is a clear indication that Somalis are willing to respect their commitments when they believe in what they are doing.”

The SRSG said he was certain that all sides would work seriously and conscientiously towards making the meeting a success for Somalia as a whole.

“Making peace is more difficult than making war,” he said. “You make peace primarily with your adversaries, not with your friends.

Mr Ould-Abdallah expressed his belief that all Somalis, including those in the Diaspora, wanted to work towards peace and security for Somalia.

“We should allow them to meet without outside interference and come to an understanding,” he said.

The meeting, which will be attended by seven delegates from each party, is expected to help advance the agenda for peace and will then be enlarged by a further fifteen participants from each side.

For details:

Susannah Price
Public Information Officer
United Nations Political Office For Somalia (UNPOS)
Telephone: Office - 254 20 7621192
Mobile - 254 733 902020
Email: Susannah.Price@unon.org  

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