articles of importance to range

Somali semi-autonomous region changes name to “Puntland Government”
BBC Monitoring Africa
August 02, 2009


The president of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, Abdirahman Muhammad Faroole, has announced that the name of the change of the name of his region to Puntland government of Somalia. This happened during the commemoration of the eleventh anniversary of Puntland foundation in Garoowe [The HQ of Puntland].

The president has further said that the new name will be an effective from the night of the anniversary.

The President of Puntland has also stressed that Puntland government is striving to restore peace and security in Somalia, adding that his government is prioritizing reconciliation and restoration of law and order in Somalia.

The Move comes as there are speculations that Puntland is preparing to declare itself a republic such as Somaliland.

A rift between Puntland and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia over sharing of resources and management of state oil exploration has lately emerged.

Residents of Puntland welcomed the new name of Puntland government of Somalia and urged the administration to improve security and peace in the region.

Source: Radio Gaalkacyo, Gaalkacyo, in Somali 1015 gmt 2 Aug 09

© 2009 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved.



Somalia`s Puntland president vows to recapture disputed region from Somaliland
BBC Monitoring Africa
August 02, 2009

Text of report by Somali independent Radio Gaalkacyo on 2 August

The President of Puntland regional administration Abdirahman Muhammad Faroole has announced that his government will launch operations to recapture the disputed land of Sool region from the troops of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.

The president has this while addressing the ceremony organized for the commemoration of the eleventh anniversary of Puntland in Garoowe [The HQ of Puntland]

The President further said that Puntland will not tolerate and accept any of its territory to be controlled by Somaliland adding that residents of Sool region will collaborate with Puntland state army in recapturing the region.

The MPs and ministers of Puntland have enormously welcomed the speech of the president on Sool region and applauded him.

Somaliland troops have taken over the control of Laasa Caanood town [The Provincial town of Sool region] from Puntland troops two years ago in a heavy fighting that claimed the lives of nearly thirty people and since then the region has been controlled by Somaliland.

However, residents in Sool region are divided on which administration to support [Puntland or Somaliland]

Source: Radio Gaalkacyo, Gaalkacyo, in Somali 1015 gmt 2 Aug 09

© 2009 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved.