Puntland and Somalia’s government sign agreement23 Aug 23, 2009...

Puntland and Somalia’s government sign agreement
23 Aug 23, 2009 - 10:06:17 AM



Galkayo, Somalia:- Puntland State of Somalia and the country’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has today signed a final agreement on how the two parties can cooperate until the federal system of Somalia is finalized, Radio Garowe has reported.

The agreement, which contains 15 points, breaks initial deadlock over divisive issues regarding the security, constitution, social affairs [Education, health] and power distribution based on the National Charter that was agreed on by Somali factions in Kenya 2004.

According to the agreement, Puntland will be a base for counter-piracy operations, host the process of drafting federal constitution, and receive 25% of the education funds allocated for Somalia including scholarships.

It also allows Puntland to participate in international conferences on Somalia alongside TFG officials, enter into agreements with international agencies and commercial deals with foreign companies until Somalia's federal constitution is passed and approved in a public referendum.

The Federal Constitution will divine the power of the federal government and regional governments.

The signing was honored by Somali prime minister, Omar Abdirashid Sharmake and Puntland president, Abdirahman Mohamed Farole.

The TFG delegation headed by Somali Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake have been in Puntland in their first visit since the expension of the TFG in January to include moderate Islamist faction of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

In Djibouti agreement which paved the way for the expansion of the TFG, Puntland was excluded from the process, allowing President Sheikh Sharif's political supporters to "appoint" lawmakers in Somalia's expanded parliament for every region, including Puntland, without consulting local powers.