Garowe, 20 November 2013 – The Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay visited Garowe today, the
first stop of a three-day tour in the Federal State of Puntland.
During his meeting with Puntland President Abdirahman Farole, he expressed
his great sorrow over the recent tropical cyclone that hit Puntland
causing deaths, damage to infrastructure and loss of livestock. He also
congratulated the authorities on their hard work and timely response and
said that the United Nations would do its utmost to support the people of
Puntland during this difficult time. He noted that UN efforts to date
included provision of food, water and basic provisions for thousands of
affected people.
SRSG Kay discussed with President Farole progress on the Puntland
electoral process especially on issues of women’s participation, security
and the formation of the vetting committee (Conflict Resolution and
Reconciliation Committee), which will review the nominated MPs.
“I heard from President Farole his plans for providing the right security
arrangements for presidential candidates. I underlined the importance of
forming the vetting committee in good time and noted that it needed to
command the confidence of candidates, traditional leaders and the people
of Puntland” said SRSG Kay. “I urge all involved in this process to
strengthen the upcoming Puntland Parliament by increasing the
representation of women,” Mr. Kay added.
Mr Kay welcomed President Farole’s continuing commitment to holding the
elections on 8 January 2014 and his invitation to visit Garowe at that
time.
