UN Envoy holds talks with East Africa Foreign Ministers on Somalia poll crisis

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen had a telephone conversation on Thursday with James Swan, the United Nations Secretary-General Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

During their conversation, they exchanged information and views on the current situation in Somalia and the region in general.

James Swan briefed Demeke on the election process in Somalia, hopes and challenges, current political situation, security threats by the extremist group al-Shabab, and related concerns.

The two sides appreciated the efforts made by the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States and commended the achievements so far while stressing the need to continue dialogue and negotiation to resolve the remaining issues of differences.

Swan also held similar talks with Foreign Ministers of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

"UN envoy James Swan greatly appreciated the opportunity this past week to have calls with the Foreign Ministers of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda in order to hear their views at this critical time for Somalia and the region," UNSOM tweeted.