FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On May 31st 2001, the people of the
Republic of Somaliland went to the polls to vote for a constitution of
which the first article affirms sovereignty of Somaliland. The republic
of Somaliland reinstated its sovereignty in May 1991 from Somalia, the
illegal and ill-fated union of July 1960. The international community,
however, has been ignoring this historic decision, for Somaliland still
yearns for a diplomatic recognition a decade later.
Somaliland has so far existed by the wishes and perseverance of its people. Their wish has finally been proven at the ballot box, on May 31, 2001, when the citizens of Somaliland overwhelmingly voted (97%) "Yes" to approve their first legitimate constitution, thereby, also upholding the withdrawal of Somaliland from its voluntary union with Somalia in 1960. The international community should not and must not continue to ignore the wishes of the Somaliland people. To do so, will mean an unfortunate setback to democracy and people's right to self-determination. On behalf of the people of Somaliland in the Diaspora, the Somaliland Forum, calls on the international community to recognise the state of Somaliland and grant the people of Somaliland their God-given right to self-determination.
We call on the peace loving nations of the world to recognize Somaliland and reward the hard work and dedication the people of Somaliland have shown in rebuilding their country from the ashes without any outside assistance. We call on the member countries of the Organisation of African Unity to fulfill their duty in promoting and safeguarding peace and stability in Africa and recognise Somaliland. We call on the member countries of the European Union and urge them to respect the wishes and rights of the people of Somaliland and grant them the recognition they deserve and have been patiently waiting for a long decade.
On May 31, 2001, the people of Somaliland made their wishes clear to the world. They have approved the constitution of Somaliland, which, in addition to upholding the sovereignty of Somaliland, also sets the rules and procedures under which their government will operate. It is now time for the world to lend their ears in earnest and listen to the signals emanating from this beacon of democracy in a region that is plagued with war and famine.
Somaliland Forum
SLF Background: The Somaliland Forum (SLF) is an international organization that brings together Somalilanders from all parts of the world mainly, through the medium of the Internet. The primary objective of the Forum is to work with the Somaliland communities around the world in order to provide some lasting solutions to the needs of the Republic of Somaliland and its people. For more information, Please visit forum's web site at: http://www.somalilandforum.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING SPOKESPERSONS FOR THE FORUM:
North America:
Farah Ahmed Hersi
Toronto, Canada
Tel: (416) 630-3728
E-mail: chair@somalilandforum.com
Europe:
Dahir Abdi Jama
London, U.K.
Mobile(cell): 07960 173 184, Tel: (0)208 347 8529
Email: Dahir@dahir.freeserve.co.uk
Middle East
Mr. A.Ismail
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Email:nero@ncc.moc.kw
Tel: 965 2630592