Puntland Urges Independence and Neutrality of Technical Selection Committee

PRESS RELEASE

Puntland Government is proud to have played an active role in the Roadmap for End of Transition process in Somalia and welcomes the progress achieved by the Technical Selection Committee (TSC).

However, Puntland is concerned about the reported interference, intimidation and manipulation aiming to undermine the TSC discretion of applying the selection criteria for Members of Parliament, as per the agreements of Garowe Principles and Nairobi (4-6 August 2012).

We call upon all concerned parties to respect the neutrality, independence and discretion of the TSC.

Additionally, Puntland Government warns strongly against anti-federalism elements seeking key positions of power in Somalia, such as Speaker of Parliament and President, which could lead the country towards the risk of further national fragmentation.

Puntland Government has invested time, efforts and resources to ensure completion of benchmarks of the End of Transition process, leading to the adoption of the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia on 1st August 2012 and we welcome the initial list of 202 MPs announced by the TSC.

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