Somalia: Federal Govt hails Puntland’s standpoint on bilateral talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia August 23, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia has praised the clear standpoint on bilateral talks with Mogadishu by the northeastern state of Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

Minister of Information, Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow welcomed the outcome of consultative meeting between Federal MPs and Puntland Government officials at the State House in Garowe. Dhuhulow said in a press statement from his office on Saturday that his government is ready to put an end to prevailing dispute over Provisional Federal Constitution [PFC].  

“[Federal Government of Somalia] hereby acknowledges that Puntland matters most to Somali central government and the federal government knows its responsibility when it comes to tranquility, progress and stability of Puntland and Somalia at large,” noted Dhuhulow.

Puntland government in northern Somalia put international presence condition on talks with Mogadishu-based Federal Government on August 20 following a two-day gathering that brought together Puntland lawmakers in Federal parliament and the state’s officials in the presence of President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed witnessed tripartite deal on central state consisting of Mudug and Galgaduud.

On July 31, Puntland withdrew support for Somalia government, calling tripartite agreement unconstitutional.

As of now, the parties have not agreed to official place where the bilateral talks would take place within 30 days. 

GAROWEONLINE