Somalia: U.S, UN, EU and Federal Govt express concern over Somaliland military incursion

GAROWE, Somalia August 29, 2014 (Garowe Online)- United Nations, United States, European Union and Federal Government of Somalia have expressed concern over Somaliland’s military incursion into Sool region town of Saah Dheer in northern Somalia on Friday, Garowe Online reports.

US special representative for Somalia James P. McAnulty, UN envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay and EU Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso said in a joint press statement that they express profound concern about the recent deployment of troops in Sool and subsequent confrontations.

“We call for the immediate withdrawal of forces from Saaxdheer, and the immediate release of all prisoners,” the joint press statement read. “We urge all parties to refrain from violence and make concerted efforts to de-escalate and resolve differences through peaceful means and dialogue”.

“All parties should make immediate efforts to demonstrate genuine willingness to create the conditions necessary for long-term and durable stability in the region,” the statement noted.

Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Information Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow also spoke out on Somaliland’s military move, condemning it for armed aggression.

At least 10 people died and dozens were wounded in heavy fighting near Saah DHeer, 140 km south west of Lasanod on Thursday.

Khaatumo seeks substantial autonomy without Somaliland and Puntland influence while Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of the country in 1991 as de facto sovereign state.

GAROWEONLINE