§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What discussions they have held with the President of Somalia; and whether he has indicated any date for his return and that of his government to the capital, Mogadishu. [HL186]
77WA
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanMy honourable friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa (Chris Mullin) met the Somali Transitional Federal President in Nairobi on 20 October and had discussions on the future of the Transitional Federal Government and their relations with the authorities in Somaliland.
He urged them to engage in early dialogue with Somaliland, reject military solutions to the resolution of differences and to demonstrate a commitment to mutual respect, reconciliation and peace.
No date has been fixed for the return of the Government to Mogadishu. Dates in mid-December now seem unlikely. Recent statements by Somali politicians have mentioned January 2005.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will urge the Government of Somalia to instruct the Puntland militia to withdraw from the territory of Somaliland and to enter into discussions with the authorities of Somaliland on security and political issues. [HL187]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe continue to urge restraint on all sides involved in the recent clashes. We urge the parties to resolve their differences through peaceful negotiation without preconditions. We also welcome the recent initiative by traditional leaders in the disputed region to help resolve the conflict.