Somalia: Puntland calls for the formation of regional states 19 Nov 19, 2009 - 12:56:57 PM

The president of Somalia's Puntland State has said that his government will play major role in the formation of more regional states that would help in stabilizing the Horn of African nation.


President Abdirahman Mohammed Farole said in an interview with the BBC Somali Service that Puntland would host leaders who want to form regional authorities, adding that some have even met him in Nairobi, Kenya where he returned from a week-long visit.


“We have met some leaders from central Somalia who want to form regional authorities, we have promised them that we will offer our support and host them in Puntland,” he said.


He said the Somali Federal government has failed to initiate the formation of the regional government, which would have played major role in peace efforts.


Asked about the recent disagreement between him and Somalia President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh, Farole said it’s unfortunate that they have differed over the development of peaceful regions, stressing that the windows are still open for consultations.


In his visit to Nairobi, President Farole met with representative of big nations that support Somalia, which pledged their support for Puntland’s development.


Since its election earlier this year, President Farole’s government has been in fore front in establishing economical growths.