Puntland Government Protects Press Freedoms, But Security Comes First

Press Release
Ministry of Information,
Puntland
August 18, 2010
Puntland Government Protects Press Freedoms, But Security Comes First
The Government of Puntland is recognized locally and worldwide as a State where
freedom of speech and of the press is protected and enshrined in the Puntland
Constitution. This is a fact, but anyone who needs further proof can simply evaluate the sheer growth in numbers and equality of independent media organizations within the State of Puntland.
The foundation for this evident growth is the Puntland Constitution’s protections of the freedom of the press, among other freedoms and civil liberties protected in Puntland.

However, it is a constitutional obligation upon every person and legal organization to
abide by the laws of the State.
It is always best to remain prudent and not rush to any conclusions, and to respect
the laws of Puntland State. It is unfortunate that the Ministry of Information of the
Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia to speak of an issue publicly without collecting and assessing the facts and circumstances of the said issue.
It is a shared duty that all parties recognize that law and order must remain above
everything else, without necessarily infringing upon the rights of any particular individual or group.
Furthermore, the Government of Puntland welcomes and shares the same views with
the TFG regarding the groups the TFG refers to as “anti-peace groups” but Puntland
Government consistently recognizes as “international terrorists.”
Again, the Government of Puntland calls upon Somali media organizations anywhere in the country to preserve and to defend the security and unity of the Somali people, which faces eradication, and to cooperate towards engendering peace across Somalia.
Finally, the Government of Puntland emphasizes upholding its Constitution and all
international laws with regard to the freedoms of thought and speech.
Ministry of Information, Communication, Culture and Heritage
Government of Puntland State, Somalia
Garowe