UN Envoy to Somalia congratulates Puntland

8 Jan 2014

UN Envoy to Somalia congratulates Puntland

Garowe - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has congratulated Puntland's President-elect Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, appointed today by members of the Puntland Parliament.

"I applaud the Speaker and Members of Parliament for their efforts leading to the smooth process of today’s vote. I also appreciate the important role of the traditional leaders. I congratulate all the people of Puntland," Mr. Kay said.

SRSG Kay saluted the smooth and peaceful transfer of power and the constructive role of outgoing President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole.

He noted that despite numerous challenges along the way, through compromise and perseverance, the Puntland-led process had achieved its goal of selecting the region's new leadership. He called for calm and unity in the region following the process.

Mr. Kay said he was re-assured by the commitment of many stakeholders to resume the democratization process that was suspended in July 2013, and urged greater participation of women in the political process.

"Puntland is leading the way on the development of a federal Somalia. The United Nations support the people of Puntland and all of Somalia as they move together towards peace, reconciliation, democracy and prosperity," he said.