International peace force required in Somalia

Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - An international peacekeeping force will be required after a new government is formed in the trouble-ridden Somalia, a Kenyan official said here Tuesday.
The inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) facilitators and the international community will be called upon to provide the force, according to Bethwel Kiplagat, Kenya's special envoy to the ongoing IGAD-sponsored Somalia Peace Conference.

Announcing this after a major breakthrough in those talks Tuesday, he insisted such a force would be necessary to safeguard peace and stability in the troubled African nation.

The IGAD secretariat announced a major breakthrough in the talks following the adoption of a Transitional Federal Draft Charter (TFC) by delegates attending the Somali National Reconciliation Conference in Kenya.

According to Kiplagat, the adopted charter pave the way for the beginning of the power-sharing stage (Phase III) at the talks, which kicked off Tuesday afternoon.

Somali leaders, including warlords had on Saturday agreed on all the sticking issues, including how and when to establish a federal system of government and the formation of regional administrations.

To make the talks all-inclusive, IGAD will ensure that absent leaders were represented by their bonafide deputies.

"The doors are open for those who want to contribute in the power-sharing stage. Even though the charter covers all fundamental areas, there could be room for improvement," Kiplagat said.

Over the next one-week, Somali leaders and elders will be involved in the selection of 78 Members of Parliament from each of the four major clans. Thirty-nine seats have been set aside for an alliance of other smaller clans.

Kiplagat said that the sharing of the seats could be completed by Tuesday next week, and the MPs will elect a Speaker and the Somali President.

"Under the TFC, the President nominates a Prime Minister who appoints the cabinet. Already many prominent Somalis have offered themselves for leadership positions. Campaigns are expected to start in earnest soon," he said.

Over 300 people, including one woman, have already declared their candidature for the country's presidency.