Somalia: Despite sticking points, trilateral meeting reopens in Puntland

GAROWE, Somalia, July 15, 2015 (Garowe Online)-A trilateral meeting between Somalia Federal Government, Puntland and Jubaland has reopened on Wednesday morning despite major moot points, Garowe Online reports.

Somalia Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke who arrived in the state capital, Garowe on Monday is backing a mediation plan to mend ties with Puntlad and Jubaland.

Sources close to the Prime Minister told Garowe Online that the preceding gathering Tuesday ended in disagreement after Sharmarke asked Puntland to recognize Galmudug and all national commissions.

Negotiating Puntland committee rebuffed the suggestion, saying Galmudug’s formation was in violation of Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) which only stipulates that only two or more regions may merge to form a federal member state.

Officials argue that Galmudug would open the gate to more phantom states-something serving personal interests above the constitution.

On Sunday, Puntland parliament called ‘Galmudug’ illegal and all national commissions set up without prior consultations with Puntland ‘Null and Void’.

On June 6, Jubaland broke off relations with Mogadishu over the passing of controversial vote of no-confidence against Jubba regional assembly. 

GAROWE ONLINE