Somalia: Turkey-brokered talks break down

ISTANBUL, Turkey, March 2, 2015 (Garowe Online)- Turkey-brokered talks between Somalia Federal Government and breakaway Somaliland region have collapsed on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has said in a press statement from his office that the bilateral talks hit a brick over the presence of members in federal government delegation: “It is unfortunate that our brothers from Somaliland failed to come to the negotiating table, they came up with conditions that presented challenge [to progress in dialogue round],” said Sharmarke, adding that neither side has a right to dictate to the other party.

“The issue is violation of previous agreements and international standards of negotiations. Somalia delegation which has come to the negotiating table in spirit of brotherhood and good optimism ascertains that Somaliland delegates will unilaterally shoulder the collapse of the talks,” read the press statement.

Meanwhile, Somaliland’s State Minister for Presidency Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan accused UN-backed central government in Mogadishu of irresponsibility while speaking on VOA Somali Service.

The talks witnessed two-day delay from the due date ,and analysts has since lied no upbeat forecast on the outcome of the dialogue.

Turkey, a major donor has been hosting the talks since 2013, with Somaliland’s bid for independence remaining bone of contention.

GAROWE ONLINE