09/16/2003 02:55:06 AM - By Guled2 [News & Current Events] Yesterday (Monday 15th September) the Somali Leaders and delegates attending the ongoing Somali National Reconciliation conference adopted the Transitional Federal Charter.In an electrifying plenary session, speaker after speaker gave emotional speeches. Ambassador Kiplagat told the plenary that he is overjoyed and will convey the good news to the EU meeting in Brussels on Wednesday 17th September 2003.Find below a press statement by the Ambassador.
SOMALI NATIONAL RECONCILIATION CONFERENCE
KCCT MBAGATHI, NAIROBI.
ISSUED BY: Media and Cultural Centre KCCT, Green Room, Admin. Block.Tel. No. 891201/2 Ext. 2347; Telefax: 891300; D/ Line: 891329.
EMAIL: somalipeaceconf@yahoo.com
CONTACT PERSONS: Mohamed (0722 675 429)/Sheegow and Guled (0721 664 806)
Press Statement
Major breakthrough in Somali talks: Plenary adopts Transitional Federal Charter
Mbagathi, Nairobi – September 15 2003 - Delegates attending the Somali National Reconciliation Conference this evening adopted a Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), paving the way into the power-sharing stage (Phase III) which starts tomorrow afternoon.
This follows the major breakthrough late Saturday in which Somali leaders agreed on all the sticking points which included how and when to establish a federal system of government and the formation of regional administrations.
Celebrations started in the Conference hall and elsewhere in KCCT compound immediately after the adoption of the TFC. Many delegates were seen to be making and receiving telephone calls to and from friends and relatives to inform about the major breakthrough which has eluded the conference since it started in Eldoret, Kenya, October last year. Delegates congratulated each other; others hugged and kissed TC officials and conference secretariat members while others danced to patriotic songs signifying the conclusion of a key stage in the Conference.
Kenya’s Special Envoy to the Conference, Ambassador Bethuel A Kiplagat, thanked the delegates - who have been in the talks for almost one year - for their patience. Mr. Kiplagat said that in order to get an all-inclusive attendance he ensured that the few absent leaders were represented by bona fide deputies.
He said the doors are open for those who want to contribute in the power-sharing stage, pointing out that though the Charter covers all fundamental areas there could be room for improvement, giving as an example the on-going constitution making process in Kenya.
He said the process of reconciliation and forgiveness evident in the Somali leaders meeting (Saturday) would be continued by the Technical Committee (TC) which is facilitating the conference. Mr. Kiplagat noted the government formed here will have to be acceptable and will then act as an agent for reconciliation and peace-building processes started here. He cautioned that such a government will require relative peace in order to perform on all these fronts.
He said the IGAD facilitators and the international community will be called upon to provide a peace-keeping force after the government is formed.
Starting tomorrow afternoon for one week Somali leaders, IGAD-invited politicians (delegates) and traditional leaders commence the selection process of MPs. Each of the four major clans has been allocated 78 seats with an Alliance of other clans getting 39 seats. It is anticipated that the sharing of seats within clans will be completed by Tuesday next week. The MPs will elect a Speaker and the President. Under the TFC the President nominates a Prime Minister who appoints the cabinet. Already many prominent Somalis have offered themselves for leadership positions. Campaigns are expected to start in earnest soon.