Somaliland Forum Press Release Monday June 11, 2001 Ref.SF/EC-040-2001
MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE OF SOMALILAND TO THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
On May 31st 2001, the people of the Republic of Somaliland went to
the polls to vote for a constitution of which the first article affirms
sovereignty of Somaliland. The republic of Somaliland reinstated
its sovereignty in May 1991 from Somalia, the illegal and ill-fated union of
July 1960. The international community, however, has been ignoring
this historic decision, for Somaliland still yearns for a diplomatic
recognition a decade later.
Somaliland has so far existed by the wishes and perseverance of its
people. Their wish has finally been proven at the ballot box, on May 31,
2001, when the citizens of Somaliland overwhelmingly voted (97%) “Yes” to
approve their first legitimate constitution, thereby, also upholding the
withdrawal of Somaliland from its voluntary union with Somalia in 1960.
The international community should not and must not continue to
ignore the wishes of the Somaliland people. To do so, will mean an
unfortunate setback to democracy and people’s right to self-determination.
On behalf of the people of Somaliland in the Diaspora, the Somaliland Forum,
calls on the international community to recognise the state of Somaliland
and grant the people of Somaliland their God-given right to
self-determination.
We call on the peace loving nations of the world to recognize Somaliland and
reward the hard work and dedication the people of Somaliland have shown in
rebuilding their country from the ashes without any outside assistance.
We call on the member countries of the Organisation of African Unity
to fulfill their duty in promoting and safeguarding peace and stability
in Africa and recognise Somaliland. We call on the member countries of
the European Union and urge them to respect the wishes and rights of the
people of Somaliland and grant them the recognition they deserve and
have been patiently waiting for a long decade.
On May 31, 2001, the people of Somaliland made their wishes clear to
the world. They have approved the constitution of Somaliland, which, in
addition to upholding the sovereignty of Somaliland, also sets the rules
and procedures under which their government will operate. It is now time for
the world to lend their ears in earnest and listen to the signals emanating
from this beacon of democracy in a region that is plagued with war and
famine.
Somaliland Forum
SOMALILAND FORUM
SLF Background:
The Somaliland Forum (SLF) is an international organization that brings
together Somalilanders from all parts of the world mainly, through the
medium of the Internet. The primary objective of the Forum is to work with
the Somaliland communities around the world in order to provide some
lasting solutions to the needs of the Republic of Somaliland and its
people. For more information, Please visit forum’s web site at:
http://www.somalilandforum.comFOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING SPOKESPERSONS FOR THE
FORUM:
North America:
Farah Ahmed Hersi
Toronto, Canada
Tel: (416) 630-3728
E-mail: chair@somalilandforum.com
Europe:
Dahir Abdi Jama
London, U.K.
Mobile(cell): 07960 173 184, Tel: (0)208 347 8529
Email: Dahir@dahir.freeserve.co.uk
Middle East
Mr. A.Ismail
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Email:-
Tel: 965 2630592