Nairobi, 4 September 2009 – A delegation from UNPOS, led by the UN Deputy Special Representative for Somalia Charles Petrie, visited Somaliland this week to meet officials, with a focus on the continued and strengthened engagement of UNPOS in Somaliland.
The delegation also met members of the Government as well as various political parties and civil society representatives to hear their viewpoints.
The delegation held a constructive meeting with President Dahir Riyale Kahin.
The visit, and in particular the meeting with the President Riyale, was welcomed by the UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, who said he hoped it was proof of Somaliland's determination to move towards peace and compromise.
"Somaliland has an impressive history of resolving its internal tensions peacefully and I hope this tradition will be used to address the current challenges," said Mr Ould-Abdallah.
"For the past two decades Somalilanders have followed the path of dialogue and denounced violence," he added. "I believe Somaliland can provide many lessons in finding peaceful solutions to the internal crisis."