I have noted the decision by the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) to extend their mandate by three years. This is a disappointing decision taken in haste without the required level of discussion and consultation on how to end the transition and on the next political dispensation after 20 August 2011. The consultations had actually begun with the President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister but have not been followed through.
Today I met with the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to further deliberate on the outcomes of the IGAD Heads of State summit in Addis Ababa on the 31 January 2011. We agreed to jointly meet with the leadership of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) as soon as possible to discuss the way forward while ensuring stability and change. The Somali people deserve and expect to see change. It is the responsibility of the TFIs to implement this change in consultation with major entities representing the Somali people and key partners of the international community.
We will continue to work with the Somali leadership, in the spirit of transparency, cooperation and mutual trust.
Nairobi, 04 February 2011