Somali leaders vow to work together, end rifts 
Posted to the Web Feb 13, 19:10

Source Reuters

NAIROBI, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Somalia’s president, prime minister and parliamentary speaker appeared to put aside their differences on Monday and vowed to work together to end anarchy in the Horn of Africa country.

President Abdullahi Yusuf, Prime Minister Mohamed Ali Gedi and Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden promised to promote reconciliation and unity among the country’s 275 legislature for the benefit of the Somali people after a three-day meeting.

The three leaders urged feuding Somalis to "stop inter-clan wars and meaningless hostilities" in a joint statement released on Monday in Galkaayo, 735 km (456.7 miles) north of Mogadishu and obtained by Reuters in Nairobi.

"The President, Speaker of parliament and the Prime Minister will work closely together in the remaining interim period of the Transitional Federal Government in order to achieve confidence and unity among the national leaders."it said.

The trio also promised to ensure the successful opening of the Somali parliament in the town of Baidoa on Feb. 26.

The deal for parliament to meet in lawless Somalia has raised hopes among Somalis that the government can finally put a stop to the anarchy that has plagued the country since former strongman Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991.

"It’s very positive, it shows that we are going in the right direction." said Mohamed Ali Nur, the coordinator of Somali affairs in Kenya. "It is really good to see that our top three leaders have reached an agreement."

The interim government was formed in late 2004 following protracted talks among rival Somali factions in Kenya.

It returned to Somalia last year and has been split into two factions, one based in Mogadishu and the other in the provincial town of Jowhar.