We are glad you are not shooting each other Unionists for Riyaale Sorry Norf

Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat- The United Nations Special Envoy to Somalia Ahmad Ould Abdallah told Asharq Al-Awsat that he decided to finally retire and quit his post in July. However, he denied that his decision has anything to do with his controversial statements on the recent crisis within the troika of the transitional authority in Somalia, which is led by provisional President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad. Asharq Al-Awsat has learned that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon intends to appoint a diplomat from Tanzania to succeed Ould Abdallah at a time when Somali sources said that former Secretary General of the [former] Organization of African Unity Salim Ahmed Salim is the candidate who stands a better chance to take up this post. In exclusive statements to Asharq Al-Awsat by telephone from the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa, where he attends his last meeting at the African Union headquarters, Ould Abdallah said he informed the UN secretary general in April that he does not want to stay in his post or serve a second term. He added: "Work at the United Nations is difficult and complex. I said I do not want to serve a second term. However, I will remain as adviser to the secretary general on other issues. He continued: "I will leave my post in July. This is a final decision. My term has been the longest when compared with the terms of my predecessors. Personally, I am satisfied with my work. However, I feel sorry because Somalia, namely Mogadishu, continues to be hostage to personal rivalries." Ould Abdallah said he presented to the African Union a new plan of several points to consolidate peace and stability in Somalia and to reinforce security and economy, as was the case at the recent Istanbul conference, in addition to securing human rights. He emphasized the need to extend support to IGAD [inter-Governmental Authority on Development] and to the African Union forces. He noted that it is necessary to support these forces, pay their personnel's salaries, increase their size, and provide all the logistical and military assistance that they need. Ould Abdallah said his plan stipulates that the UN Security Council resolutions on fighting terrorism must be applied to any person or party in or outside of Somalia that opposes stability in the country. In his statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ould Abdallah denied that his decision to quit his post is connected to the argument that was triggered by his statements in support of a decision by Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad to dismiss his prime minister, Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, because of the latter's disagreement with former Parliament Speaker Adan Madobe. Afterward, Sheikh Sharif backed down on his decision to dismiss Sharmarke. Ould Abdallah said: "My resignation has nothing to do with this issue. I supported and continue to support the stand of President Sharif and the government. This is obvious anyway. But my decision to leave my post is a personal one." He added: "I took up my post in November 2007 and served about three years in this post. It is a long time when compared with the terms that my predecessors served. Now, however, I have personal matters that I must attend to." He continued: "I regard the UN secretary general with great respect. He is the one who appointed me in this post, but I have family and other responsibilities. I seize this opportunity to renew my respect to all my colleagues in the regional and Arab organizations with whom I dealt closely on the Somali issue." The UN envoy said that the Somali crisis is a long-standing one that involves trade, economic, and financial issues, and money smuggling, in addition to illicit trade. He referred to the presence of Islamist extremists and noted that the government officials have no experience. He also referred to the civil war that has been going on since 1991. Ould Abdallah asserted the need for the international community to continue to provide all types of assistance to the transitional authority to enable it to extend its control to all Somali territories. He said: "It is the responsibility of the international community to help the Somali people who have become hostage to political minorities." Ould Abdallah defended the period that he spent in his post and refuted the accusations that were leveled at him by some Somali officials, particularly those who are opposed to the transitional authority. He said: "Everyone waged war against me, and this is only natural. The Somali crisis has existed more than 20 years now. If they say that I or my predecessors were the reason, this is disrespect. The crisis existed before I came and will continue after I go. Let them say whatever they want. No objective analyst would pay any attention to these false accusations." Ould Abdallah denied that he is responsible for the financial crisis that the Somali Government faces and which reached a point where the government is unable to pay the salaries of its forces and the salaries of the MPs. He said: "The EU pays the salaries of the police, army, and MPs, and we only deliver them. We asked for some salaries more than one and a half years ago, but regrettably have not received any answer." He added: "The UN office in Nairobi daily requests payment of the funds that are allocated to the transitional authority to enable it to pay its debts, but the payment is conditional on stability because it is unreasonable for them to pay salaries when the goal is not achieved." Noting that he had hoped to achieve more positive results for Somalia, Ould Abdallah said: "I support this people and state, especially the president and his government. We believe that they are the victim of rivalry and continuation of the civil war that lacks political mentality." Yet, the UN envoy did not give up his little optimism about a possible breakthrough in the political crisis in Somalia. He said: "There are always solutions to civil wars as was the case in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The current situation cannot continue indefinitely. The old people, women, and children have become hostages." Concluding his statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ould Abdallah said: "I am sorry because the Somalis continue to evade their responsibilities and lay the blame on others." source

Originally posted by Mr. Somalia: Puntland's goal is that we respect the true political wishes of the people SSC, whatever that may be. And since that day is fast approaching, we won't have too long to wait, to know whether this is merely a failure on the part of the Puntland administration or as I insist, a family feud or both. We will wait and see. The true political wishes of SSC were explicitly expressed in the founding of Puntland as they are part of the original founders. They never denounced Puntland. Even now, their anger is towards the leadership not the very existence or people of Puntland.I think this fact needs to be the basis of this argument. LA changed hands cuz one man decided he's no longer getting his fair share of the loot. The Garaads, Politicians, dhalinyaro, dumar, diasporo and the general public at large never sat down and denounced Puntland in favor of secession. How could one man and his immediate cousins represent SSC. The division within SSC is overblown and quite honestly, you are playing into the hands of secessionists. When the SSC folks found Puntland along with the rest of the gang, they entrusted rights and responsibilities to Puntland Administration. They chose to operate within the context of Puntland.Now why Puntland ignore those rights and responsibilities? Now if the argument is, Puntland is loose clan federation with each clan responsible for its own well being, then what's the whole point of this thing. Why be part of something you will not benefit from or something you could do on your own. But if Puntland is actual existing entity that's responsible for all its people and land, those they fail to reign in on Haabsade and Co should be held accountable. There's family division is not excuse. There's clear abdication of responsibility. We are incapable of doing anything or Ethiopia is in the way would be better excuse. As it stands now, the massacres in Buhoodle and Whidwhid, mass arrest of reer LA, the countless demonstrations, and explicit directives of the Garaads are testimony to where SSC loyalty lies. Even if you believe these folks are working to establish their mini land, they still wanna be part of Somalia-something Puntland should safeguard. We will wait and see when Somaliland is throwing its full weight behind the aggressors is not good decision to be made. My hope is this conflict to be avoided all together, unfortunately haaraagii Barre government are shortsighted and actually thrive in conflict. And what is more unfortunate are the poor folks are being lied to 20 years, now being forced to destroy their earned peace. This conflict if ignites fully will get nasty and there will be no neutral part.Now the question is whose side will Puntland be on? Let's hope the best and may cooler heads prevail. Oodweyne.....Noted but I will add one thing your aura of arrogance reminds me of koofi cas kids in 80s Xamar or nostalgic remembrance of 60s by some members of our society. For you sake, I hope Somaliland is as well prepared (politically and militarily)as you seem to believe for this conflict will throw the last safe haven for Somalis into intractable chaos easily exploited by usual suspects!!

^ Mr.Somalia...I guess Puntland has be redefined? Is it just loose federation of tribes or recognizable political entity defined boundaries? If it's the former, your argument hold water but it's the latter, the abject failure of Puntland administration can not be excused and situation in Sool can not be simply written off family feud. And as Somali person, if you believe in holding together what ever is left of this country, the SSC remaining in Puntland should be your goal.

If we go by what Mr.Somalia is saying, Puntland's political strategy is reactive and lacks vision: hardly recipe for longterm success.

^I'm smelling money coming my way Celebrate refugee...I guess that depends. Haatu...Nice guys finish last.

Enjoy your weekend Juxa. Haatu.....You are not good with putdowns ninyahow

Juxa....I didn't say anything so wrong with. I was just saying he could do gynecologic. Surely, midwifery is walk in the park. LoooooL@fuley Cab drivers make honest living Haatu.

LooooooooL@No SNM...I think he will be robbed again but let's hope Siilaanyo and Lady Love win. This is his last opportunity.

War Bob M00ryaanimo laguma faano but explains alot things about Haatu Haatu....I'm doing it for the money (I made bet). I don't particularly care for Lakers or Kobe though I think Kobe is good player.

Haatu is actually gynecologist.I could see him being mid-wife.

LoooooooooooL@Juxa Haatu racist ku waashey.He knows what you are saying is true.

^You are sick little man. Mr.Somalia..Haatu said better than me.

Bob...I ain't for Celtics this year. I don't feel green. Mardhow Haatu Q town ka yimid la dhihidoonaa.

Haatu....The policy applies to all marlooley but some of us need more than others?

^Ninyahow habraha maad iska deysid hakaa xamaashaaney.

Tuujiye..Maxaa ii habaareey? Haatu...Xarbaa idhashey hayeey

LooooooooL...No, I'm saying you are not one of them hence jooji isqorqorka

This is why Haatu need cultural orientation before magaalada lagu sii daayo

^Is qorqorka jooji adi legit Jinmaayo kulahaa. Falkana waaku dheereysaa layiri Haatu

Reer Jinmaayo sixir waas yaqaaniin That's how they use to win banooniga

^Get ur mind out of the gutter.

^Soomaali badan madaxa ka wasan

Sheh...Nagatag I had to hingaadi igisbiiriyens. IA, I will get back on track. Buuxo....lucky, you are off to mada land? Good day ladies

^Hello Buuxo What's with big grin Zu....Wa Shamsi in lagu akhriyo waaye. Quraanka sii fiicaan kuu galihaa Anyway, I think it's my mosque (now I sound like gaalo) that's the problem. Not conducive to Islamic. It's cultural center not mosque. I haven't seen movies in while I'm off folks-pleasant day