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UN warns Somalia's self-declared republic over border row |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 17 October 2007 |
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Nairobi, Kenya - The United Nations has urged the self- declared republic of Somaliland and the autonomous region of Puntland to exercise restrain over claims to their disputed border region of Sool.
In a statement obtained here Friday, the Coordination of International Support to Somalis (CISS) expressed concern over the increasing tensions and mobilisation of forces in Sool region and the potential of humanitarian consequences of further violent conflict in the disputed area.
The statement, which was signed by UN Resident Coordinator for Somalia, Eric Loroche and World Bank country director for Somalia and Eritrea, Chris Lovelace, urged them to seek a solution through political dialogue.
"We call on all parties to withdraw their forces from the area immediately and to return to the path of dialogue for the benefit of the communities involved," the statement said.
Tensions between Puntland, in northeast and Somaliland in northwest have been growing in recent weeks, with both claiming the same territory.
The regions of Sool and Sanag, in northern Somalia, geographically fall within the borders of pre-independence British Somaliland, but most of the area's inhabitants, the Warsangeli and Dhulbahante communities, who are members of the larger Darod clan, are associated with residents of Puntland.
Scores of families fled their homes last week following a clash between forces from the self-declared republic of Somaliland and the autonomous region of Puntland.
"We urge the leadership of both Puntland and Somaliland to exercise maximum restraint and to give their full support to peaceful approaches for resolution of any disputes," the statement said.
"Violent conflict can only undermine opportunities for rehabilitation and development in the area and disappoint the expectations of the communities for peace and stability," the statement said.
Conflict and the collapse of many institutions over the past decade have compounded the shortage of basic services all over Somalia, according to the World Bank and the UN.
Tension between the two sides had been simmering since Puntland troops took total control of Las Anod in December 2003. Before then, both sides had official representation in the town.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 October 2007 )
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