The United States notes the election of Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed as Transitional Federal President of Somalia on October 10 in Nairobi, Kenya. We appreciate the work of the Transitional Federal Assembly in organizing this peaceful parliamentary election. This development is an important step to further the reconciliation process begun by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development two years ago.
The reconciliation process is central to the reestablishment of stability and effective governance in Somalia. We urge the President and the Assembly to focus on the immediate task at hand – the establishment of an effective government operating in Mogadishu. The upcoming selection of a Prime Minister and other government officials by the Assembly and its newly elected President are critical elements of this task.
We urge all Somalis involved in the creation of these institutions to focus on the needs of the Somali people while respecting the peace, governance and security that exists in areas not currently participating in the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference.
2004/1101
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