Press Releases KULMIYE’s Top Diplomat Speaks of his US Visit

22 Jan 22, 2010 - 10:51:45 PM

Friday, London- After meeting with the United States officials and the Somaliland Diaspora, KULMIYE’s top diplomat, Dr. Mohamed A Omar, has today arrived in London and said his party is best placed in advancing Somaliland interest internationally.

Speaking to the media on his arrival, Mr. Omar stated that the delegation led by KULMIYE’s Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Silanyo, of which he was a member of, had been warmly received by the Obama administration officials and Congressman Donald Payne in Washington.

He added that the discussions they had with the US officials mainly focused on “Somaliland’ needs for economic and political support and on ways of reducing the security concerns in the region”.

KULMIYE’s Foreign Affairs Spokesman said that their delegation had presented their foreign and security policy initiatives to the US officials ahead of Somaliland’s upcoming presidential election and had asked for increased US aid to Somaliland.

“In a well attended conference held in Washington in honour of the delegation, Mr. Silanyo has talked about Somaliland’s achievements as well as challenges ahead, and requested the international community to double the support it gives to his country,” said Mr. Omar.

While in Washington, the delegation has met with the former US Assistant Secretary of State, Hon. Princeton Lyman, Congressman Donald Payne, Mr. David Shinn, former US ambassador to Ethiopia, USIAD and State Department Officials and members from the Foreign Relations Council and the National Endowment for Democracy.

In a concluding statement, Mr. Omar said that he was astonished by President Rayaale’s accusation of the American administration and Congressman Payne as being anti-Somaliland. He added that KULMIYE party is well connected with the US and the international community and therefore best placed in advancing the interest of the Somaliland people internationally.