September 15, 2004
THE END COMES TO ALL:
Somali Parliament to Select Speaker (Cathy Majtenyi, 15 Sep 2004, VOA NEws)
There are 13 candidates vying to become speaker of Somalia's 275-seat parliament, which currently sits in Nairobi. [...]Somalia's new government arises out of a two-year peace process that brought together factional leaders, civil society representatives and others to come up with a constitution and a parliament as a way of ending 13 years of civil war.
Peace process spokesman Guled Mohamed, says election of a speaker marks a major milestone in the peace process.
"This is a very big step towards attaining peace in Somalia," he said. I never dreamt of any day like this. Somalis are happy, I know."
Parliament is expected to choose a president in a week's time. The new government is to be in office for a maximum of five years, after which democratic elections are to be held.
So, suppose you're an Egyptian--how would you like to have to face the thought that Somalia is more advanced politically than your nation? Posted by Orrin Judd at September 15, 2004 11:37 AM
Somalia will be more advanced politically when and if those promised elections are held, fairly counted, and the results upheld, and not before.
Posted by: Michael Herdegen at September 15, 2004 12:13 PMSomalia's capital is in Nairobi, Kenya?
Posted by: h-man at September 15, 2004 12:21 PMMichael:
When are the Egyptian elections and when is it contributing peacekeepers to Darfur?
Posted by: oj at September 15, 2004 12:40 PMSo, an organized rabble, forced to meet in a foreign land because they don't control the country they claim to rule, but promising elections, is superior to a stable strongman ?
Posted by: Michael Herdegen at September 15, 2004 5:57 PM