Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

23/08/04

The Government of Somaliland urges the leaders in Somalia; the Member States of IGAD; the African Union; the United Nations; and other donor countries, to abstain from any unfriendly declaration or acts against Somaliland that could bring about further complications, conflict and instability to the region of the Horn of Africa.

In the event that any person or persons claim to be representing the Government of Somaliland and /or its people, in the ongoing Somalia Peace Conference; and in the event that such person or persons are accorded such status; the Government of Somaliland hereby officially states that this will hinder any possible future dialogue between Somaliland and any future legitimate government of Somalia (former Italian Somalia ) that emanates from the current peace process in Nairobi.

The Government of Somaliland is ready to take part in a dialogue with Somalia as equal partners, when and if a legitimate, democratically elected government is established in Somalia ( former Italian Somalia ) with the full support and mandate of the people of Somalia.

This dialogue will be between two legitimate and fully sovereign Governments and their two States, Somalia and Somaliland, without entertaining the concept that Somaliland will be part of the Federal system that is being contemplated for Somalia in the 14th Peace Conference that is currently taking place in Nairobi.