World
Foreign Minister of Somaliland addresses the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament
March 21, 2012 · 51 Comments
Brussels, 21 March 2012 – The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr Mohamed A. Omar, today had a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.
In his statement to the Committee, Dr Omar drew attention to the contrasting fortunes of Somaliland and Somalia since the former declared independence in 1991. He spoke of “the emergence of a peaceful and democratic Somaliland through a painstaking process of reconciliation at the local level. At the same time, governance collapsed in Somalia, leading directly to the problems confronting the Horn of Africa today, namely terrorism, piracy, and hunger.”
Dr Omar declared that: “Somaliland has recently re-engaged with the international community, in order to play its part in solving the ongoing challenges in neighbouring Somalia. Last month’s London Conference represented an important milestone in Somaliland’s diplomacy.”
The Foreign Minister continued that: “the international community’s focus on an inflexible and unrealistic notion of Somalia’s so-called territorial unity endangers the very stability that we are all looking for. Focusing energy on the re-creation of a centralized state through a top-down approach ignores the realities on the ground, which are dictated by the decentralized nature of Somali politics.”
Dr Omar added: “We offer a compelling example of peaceful and democratic nation-building through a bottom-up approach, drawing on tried and tested African methods designed to defuse disputes between neighbouring communities.” Dr Omar continued: “We believe that a similar approach is needed in Somalia too, and we have offered to share our experience with our brothers and sisters in Somalia.”
Foreign Minister Omar made it clear that: “Somaliland would be in an even stronger position to contribute to a stable and peaceful Somalia if Somaliland is politically recognised internationally.” Aware that EU member states are significantly affected by Somali piracy, the foreign minister noted: “We are fully engaged with the international community in the fight against terrorism and piracy.”
The Foreign Minister drew attention to the Communiqué of the London Conference which supported “any dialogue that Somaliland and the TFG or its replacement may agree to establish in order to clarify their future relations.” This “reinforces Somaliland’s vision of a dialogue between two separate entities, Somalia and Somaliland, that can engage as equals, and marks a starting point for constructive discussions about the future relations between Somaliland and Somalia.”
Referring to the generous development and other assistance provided by Europe, Dr Omar stated: “Let me once again express the gratitude of the Government and people of Somaliland to the European Union and its member states for their continued support for my country.”
Dr Omar concluded by saying that: “political recognition of Somaliland’s independent statehood within the borders established by the European powers in the 19th century would reinforce Somaliland’s role as a beacon of peace and democracy in the Horn of Africa, and allow us to emerge as an even more effective partner for the region, for Europe, and the international community.”
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Beautiful and well said speech to the EU Foreign Affairs Committee. This is what we have been lacking for many years before this government came to power. I seen light at the end of that long road we came through, but we the people of this country should not spoil it, by encouraging clannish forces appeared nowadays from thin air.
Somaliland is here to stay and continue to be the beacon of Africa. No turning point and our people's self-determination have now been accepted by many, when our government cried loud for our rights. I believe if we took this aggressive foreign policy before, we could have reached the target, but our believe in staying away from wherever we see Somalia affairs is discussed, has rendered us to lose in a big way. It's good that we have changed the course and opening many doors that were closed before, is reinforcing our guest of statehood. Finally, the beautiful Tawxiid carrying flag of my nation will fly all over soon.
God bless my beloved country – the country for all Somaliland people. We need to strengeth our efforts of being oneness and nothing else. This is the way forward my fellow brothers and sisters. Time has come now and we should not miss it.
@ Omer Hussein , i agree with you .
slander for life.
Good job, Dr. Omer for pushing the envelope for the quest for our statehood. And that sooner than later the International Community will take notice. Hopefully it will eventually pay off and we will soon see the fruits yield by your hard work and efforts.
Well done.
I am sorry but this man for the last 2 years has regurgitated the same lines over and over again, he has become adapt at conveying the same message nothing new here. With all this miliege what is Somaliland getting in return in terms of international framework for recognision, there is not enough transparency for me.
Other than that he is doing an okay job, my only querry is more openness is needed in the Foreign Affairs Ministry (i.e. who is paying for all these trips abroad?)
Madar, the miliage expenses you are talking about is part of his job and that is why he is the Foreign Minister to make us known on the world stage after we have been under the shadow of Somalia for so long. Most of the world cannot differentiate between Somaliland and Somalia and that is what he is working on effortlessly. Let us throw our support behind and not to discourage him especially at this critical cross roads in our country.
Madar, Hold that thought until we give a crap about who is paying for the foreign minister to do his job. would you prefer he sits in a mafrish in Hargeysa and share with you every detail of what he is doing in a Qaat chewing session? Get a grip buddy.
Nothing is new in my point of view, this is the daily routine speech of the minister! I would like that the minister and his government of Ufta come to the reality on the ground , every fool knows that the political stand of somaliland people in more than 20 years , they simply changed because of reason ! We have witnessed the London conference how they were participated, how low stage, how they lectured ! Sorry !!!! Long life Somaliland
I do not see any problems so far with the little exerts from the FM's speech, but I hope he went more in depth rather than hovering around Somalia this and Somalia that.
We can not fight for our country with our hands on our backs. The first line in every speech given to internationals must contain the referendum and the genocide and then we must proceed to what we have accomplished for ourselves and for the world (fighting piracy, terrorism ….). W must also talk about the geopolitical importance of our country and of course the unexploited natural resources. Finally we can add a line or two about Somalia and at the end we must close with: "Our people have democratically decided and we will never ever go back to the miserably failed union with Somalia, therefore, we ask the international community to respect Somalilanders right for self determination and we ask you to respect our choice and recognize Somaliland as a sovereign country." Of course this needs a professional speech writer and to amateur writer like me, but more or less this is how I think we should present our-self and in this order of things.
All I'm saying is, we must not waste our time on Somalia and we must always prioritize and make our main focus Somaliland & talking about our issues.
Finally, I see no problem with FM repeating the same lines as long the contain all the ingredients that I have mentioned above.
Yusuf, well said and I couldn't agree more!
Well said brother.
I'm sure he is preaching all the things that you have mentioned above. So far he is doing a very good job for the country.
Correction: and not an amateur writer like me.
Yussuf all that you said is documented, and the international community especially Europeans know more than anybody. Every time has its political path, and this time genocide other things they did to us, is not on the table, but to "DHIRAANDHIRIS, HADDII GACANTAADU SOLO KAA GASHO". That is what we have to concentrate now, and then when the time comes, spread our wings to disclose all those other things that hearts.
Let us leave this man to do his ability for the time being, because we have a team of politicians that we have trusted our destination.
Good point too, Mr Omer Hussein Dualeh. Dhiraad-dhiri it is.
Omer
The question that comes to the mind, when we say we are not for a union is " Why". Unless you answer that question adequately you will go no where with your agenda. We always assume things, people do not care and do not have the time to research on our behalf we must put things ready for them and preemptively know to answer the questions in their minds. If the FM has a speech that covers everything, I will be for it to be repeated million times in different formats and even to the same audience. Boringly, this is the way the world understands things, unlike us (Somalis) who hate repetition.
Just look at this:
What do you want from us: Recognition
Why: Corruption,mass rape,ethnic cleansing and Genocide
When: 30 years of union with Somalia
How:Our good faith on the union was taken for granted….
Will talking about this cost us money, I do not think so. Will it help to understand that we are fighting for a just cause, absolutely.
I know you are defensive about issue concerning the FM, but this has nothing to do with his persona and its to the President and to all those who speak and write on our behalf. Please understand me I am not in position to hire or fire anybody. Cheers!
Omer,
Here are two simple questions for you: What is he going to talk about if he omits what I have just stated? and if the international community knows everything more than I do, why is the FM spending our tax money on trips like this one?
For Somalia after the LCS communique, remains how things will develop till the next meeting
in Istanbul Turkey. For Somaliland after the LCS Communique, Remains how things will develop
to push ahead two state solution in the next meeting in Istanbul Turkey. The Istanbul June 2012
meeting is critical to lay the right foundation for Somalia and Somaliland. DR. Omar and his govt.
should be able not to waste time on insignificant ambiguities of the Somalia Signatories of Roadmaps 1+2.
Cheers.
What a waste of a great opportunity for us to hammer our message home.
From the extracts, it sounds like we put Sarah Palin at the stewardship of our foreign policy.
Amazing when you come in and put your target across..BTW where you in the Judicial or
some kind of Lawyer somewhere!
Cheers.
Were you not where you
Cheers.
No offence intended, but I don't belong to the "leech family".
No offence intended, inspire my poor soul, who's the leech family?
Cheers.
Lawyers!
I wont bother you any farther sir. I am a poor student who's caught up between
endless problems..am sure you not easy game.
Cheers.
Dr. Omer has exceeded above and beyond of what I’d have expected from F.A.M by realizing the enormity of the responsibilities he has on his shoulders. He deserves my utmost respect.
Keep it up, Dr. Omer!!
Osman Qaal
I am very impressed by the progress of Somaliland,s foreign policy and how the foreign minister interacts with the international community in advancing Somaliland case. He shows diplomatic skills and understanding of the international relations in way that we are not used to see in all previous foreign ministers. I am sure he will achieve a lot more . He is the best performing minister in the Silaanyo cabinet, no wonder he is the president's number one choice minister
This is encouraging
How about those who brought home tens of millions of dollars? Or may be that doesn't count in your biased little brains?
Things are easier said than done.
Osman Qaal
Alhamdoulillah, Allah have blessed us with a great country full of resouces and a country full of great and loving people. I sincerly love you all from oost to west en north to south. I really can not wait the day we will enjoy together in our country recognized and modernised ) .. I love you all :)
Ow by the way we have enough resourses like our lovely see, water below our feets in Somaliland, gas, oil, different valuable rocks and minerals etc.. we are very blessed people and we need to stay toghether. we are almost 4 million people. that is really nothing compare everything what we have, we can leave our chidren a great life which many other generations can profit from it. Stay stron my lovely people, stay together and help eachother with everything ;)
Rich resources in all sorts of live animals, 24/7 soler energy sunshine, beautiful landscapes
and redsea shores..Somaliland is too good to be ridiculously ignored and lebelled as poor country!.
Cheers.
F.A
Me too walaal, I love all my people from east to west and we would remain united at all times and enjoy together the peace that Allah gave us. Alhamdulilah we are so blessed and we should thank Allah for everything.
In My View, it's Beneficial Discussions Today with a Small Note……
One of the basic national obligations to any Somalilander is to support and encourage any positive step/efforts Somaliland undertakes, especially foreign activities in the post London Conference.
NOTE: Everybody should trace back his/ her previous post records in the past weeks (AND CORRECT THEM POSITIVELY) which have been alleged to the same FM about his foreign policies for wrong directions, corruption involvements and his closures of many abroad embassies.
At this moment, the same individuals are astonishingly praising the same FM for his brilliant efforts…What's the inconsistency of cheap personal hypocrisies sins and unfortunately this applies almost on every topic!!!
Dumar is right! I have not liked this minister since his appearance on al jazeera he seemed ill equipped! Perhaps he has changed, perhaps not! I dont know but anything that gives us recognition is good for me! However, if he does fudge up again like he did on al jazeera than he should be the one sacked!
Give credit where its due, but also as Landers have elected this government we reserve the right to ki ck them when they are down for their own incompetence!
Mr. Foreign Minister if you know that you cannot argue very well please do Somaliland a favor and DO NOT APPEAR ON PUBLIC TELEVISION, leave it to someone who knows how to present themselves and their country in a good light!
I'm not going to comment, but here is FM speech to the EU:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/en/committe…
Yes, I think he deserves a lot of credit here, but still, there is a room for further improvements. What do you think?
Waar nimanyow nasladan iyo yaabka eega. Siyaasadeenii arimaha debadu oo haligantay ayuun baynu hadana wax aanu mutaysan la hor fadhinayaa yarkan in majara habaabiyay. Waar ilayn tanoo kale. Waxaynu u baahanay in meeshatan loo dhiibo cid wax fahmaysa oo yarkan inoo dhaama, hadii kale iga walaydun somaliland meel fog ka raadin doontaan. Wuxuu wasiirkeenan hadeer meesha joogaa inoo soo wadaa walaysan jirin, wixiisu waa dhoof iyo been aadan meel aad u qaado lahayn. Ilmaadeerayaalow aan iska dhaafno caadifada oo eegno danka guud ee ah himiladeena. Waxakan uu yarkani wado wax inoo sad dhaama ilmaadeerayalow aynu raadsano.
You could have been disguised as a Somalilander if you wrote your comment in English. Your accent gave away your true identity. Ilmaadeerayaalow, waxakan, meeshatan iwm. Waxaan kugula talin lahaa danahaaga qabso.
Geedi, I can figure out your language that you are not one of us, so that, please go somewhere else to vomit your vernom. Our Foreign Minister is doing just what we have entrusted to do. People like you woul'nt have come here, but we give this plantform to our enemy out of our democracy that your people do not have.
Geedi, even though you are trying hard to imitate falsely a Somalilander dialogue, you can still stand out from the crowd. Do us favour, instead of criticizing our FM, do something useful your time and energy and leave Dr. Omer do what he does best. That is working for Somalilanders.
No Comment!!!!!!!!! But The best. period
Has anyone clicked watched the link provided by Mr. Yussuf? Yes I did, and I am impressed what our foreign minister did. Great news for Somaliland and Hell to all those sick people. Don't you heard the auplaud that he got, and how he answered all the questions put to him, without even looking at his notes, with pecfect english. Where are those who use to question his credentials? I bet none of those will speak english the way he did. This man is going to take us where we should have been 15 long years ago, wasted due ignorance of the previous government that kept us vegetable. I am proud that our new government made our foreign policy the bottleneck that is going to bear fruits in the near future. All those who use to be against our man are today dying for their ills, I am sure that.
I did indeed watch and listen to "Dr" Omar speech. Your comment demonstrates your flawless command of the English language; so perhaps, you read between the lines better than many of us !!!!!!
" Omar speech" should read "Omar's speech"
@ Hargeisawi-in-London,
Shsssssh! Do not talk about Mr. Omar the FM, you will upset the other Omer Dualeh, who will then shout obscenities as usual. Shsssssssh!
Omer,
Mr. Omer did great, specially in the question and answer part. His best answer was the TFG one. That is what we need to do from now on. We have been in the defense for too long, but from now on we need to be on the offense and that is exactly what I was advocating for years. I mean being on the offense in a diplomatic and smart way. Unless you play hard ball no one and specially the Waloweyn will not respect you. The Waloweyn misinformation must be put to an end!!
Speaking good English is not synonymous to good common sense, but it helps if you have common sense too. Haji Abdiwarab doesn't speak English, but he has better common sense than all the commentators in Somalilandpress.
To all,
You can read Fm's speech on Somaliland Times. There is an article written by the FM on Somaliland Times that is more or less similar to his speech to EU parliament.
Oh! one more think, we must all write to Mr. Charles Tannock, MEP
Conservative
Group of the European People's party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats
We must thank him for his continuous and unconditional support for Somaliland and specially for the nice things he said about our country in that meeting. there is no problem finding his email, you can just google him.
To make your lives much easier, here is the link to the FM's article:
http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2012/529/29.sht…
Yusuf, it is also posted on this web while ago. Anybody wants to read it, go to the top, press on "Somaliland" and go the list of the articles.
Gobaad,
Oooouch! how did I miss that? never mind.
Abdi1234, please click the link below, and enjoy our man's political skills, which you somehow don't see or admit, that he is capable FM. One more thing I don't insult people, but negotiate BILATII HIYA AXSAN. We are on the same boat and we should not disagree always. Dr. Mohamed is our man and an aggressive one to take us onshore. Why don't you see this? http://www.unpo.org/article/14065 I am only die-hard-Somalilander.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddbbbsomali north,fhhhhhhhhhhh