Nomination of New PMi Another Step Forward for Somalia

Nomination of New Prime Minister Hailed by UN As Another Step Forward for Somalia

New York, Oct 6 2012 6:10PM The United Nations envoy for Somalia on Saturday congratulated the country's Prime Minister-designate, Abdi Farah Shirdon, and encouraged him to set up a transparent and accountable government.

"The appointment of a new Prime Minister is another important step forward in the country's peacebuilding process," said the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga.

The Prime Minister's nomination will now go to the Parliament for endorsement. He will then proceed to form a cabinet, which will also need to be endorsed by the legislature.

In recent months, Somalia's transition process has seen the adoption of a new constitution, the convening of a new parliament, and the selection of a new president.

Mr. Mahiga, who heads the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), also commended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud "for leading a broad consulta tive process on the appointment of the Prime Minister within the constitutionally-stipulated time period."

He pledged the UN's full support to Mr. Shirdon and encouraged him to "immediately begin the critical work of establishing a transparent, efficient and accountable government."

"The new authorities will play the central role in promoting the reconciliation and good governance necessary to achieve lasting peace and stability in Somalia," Mr. Mahiga added in a statement.

Oct 6 2012 6:10PM

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