12 May 2008
Talks between the Somali Government and an opposition group began today, and the top United Nations envoy to the war-torn Horn of Africa nation said that he was pleased that leaders have made the well-being and safety of their people their priority.
"Many, especially the young people, told me that this is a new and important first step towards stability in their own country," said Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, said after the opening ceremony for the discussion held in neighbouring Djibouti.
The talks are bringing together the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia.
"I call on them to think of the terrible political, security and humanitarian crisis in their country and put all their efforts into resolving it," Mr. Ould-Abdallah said.
Today's ceremony heard addresses from the Special Representative, the TFG, the Alliance and Djibouti's Minister of Muslim Affairs, as well as statements by the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States and the European Union (EU).
In a statement last week, Mr. Ould-Abdallah said that this meeting is "a clear indication that Somalis are willing to respect their commitments when they believe in what they are doing."
He said that all Somalis, including those in the diaspora, want to work towards peace and security for their country, which has not had a functioning government since 1991.
"The overall objective of this meeting is to prepare the ground for a peaceful and brotherly relationship between Somalis and to initiate the first step towards real stability, true peace and sincere reconciliation based on forgiveness," the Special Representative said, adding that progress in these areas should pave the way for concrete UN assistance for durable stability in Somalia.
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Even I don't expect any peaceful situation to come out of this talk because of two main reasons: 1. The very nature of the Somalies to not forgive to each others faults during their differences but rather kill each other. If this were not the case the country would not have been under chaos and inistability for more than 15 years before the intervention of the Ethiopian troops. 2. The rigid stand of the so called UIC which has a religious name but devilish mission. So do not expect any solution from the UN or any outsider but rather from with in the Somali themselves.
well it is wonderfull thing to hear from you say so. if this is among the somalis why do not all people leave alone all that is to somalis? why do Americans , ethiopians, Ugandans interfering it ? why are they destroying people's lifes. the Islamic courts are Somalis. why all countries who hate Islam and Muslims are supporting their enemies? there are lot of things that you do not undestand Mr Tanku. let me repeat what I said. the UN is Fuelling this war it is not solving. the ISlamic courts have the right to rule their country. because it is their country not your country Mr tanku.
I still repeat don't expect any offer of peace from any one. Let first the Somalies be one and then every thing will be solved. Wheather you say the UN, the Ethiopians or any one else will intervene because of the weakness of the Somalies.
You are right this time Tanku. all you ned to know what was the goodness done by the Islamic courts. in less than six months they got rid of all the warlords who were causing trouble through the country more than 15 years. in their very short days the land was peacefull and prosperous.they had of course mistakes as all humans do. the countries that border Somalia have clearly stated that to have a peaceful, strong and United Somalia was against thier interest ( a statement qouated when Moi term was finished ). and it is true that Somalis are divided tribally. the only Group that can Unite them is Th Islamic courts Unioin.
Now you came to the point Quassim; let's think like Africans meaning honestly. The suffering of Somalies has to come to an end wheather by the UIC or by any other Somali group, but they must first think of their strong integrity and stop the interference of other interested bodies. I am not opposing the religious stand of the Islamists it is up to the people of Somali whome they have to choose. But let all groups work for the interest of the people and not for their own interest. Let them bring all the Somalies together discuss the problem and allow the people to deside on who has to lead the nation. I hope this will bring the crisis to an end. Any way I wish Peace to the Somali people. If peace is there, prosperity will be there and Development of a strong Nation will be realized.
Well I do not think that there will be a solution to the somali crisis . the Un is the core problem that take a greater role in finding no solution to the problem in Somalia .as a whole, the Un do really support the Ethiopian Occupation in the Somali country. Yet again the Un acts as a mediators.the Un have never Condemned the lates slit-throat done by Ethiopian forces in the Tablique Mosque in mogadishu but they have given the remarks imlpying the Congratulation of the brutal act. it is clear that the Government representative are not in a position to discuss the Ethiopian presence in the country, we can never expect a solution to the somali problem if the Ethiopians continue to stay in the country.