Preliminary poll talks a step forward, UN says

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The UN has expressed optimism in the resumption of preliminary talks between the Federal Government and regional leaders.

The UN mission in Somalia, UNSOM said in a tweet the talks which lasted for two days in Mogadishu were a step forward.

“The UN in Somalia is encouraged by the presence of FGS and all FMS leaders at the closed-door, ice-breaking consultative meetings held on 3-4 April. We understand the leaders plan to continue their dialogue, and urge them to reach agreement through these important talks,” tweet read.

The remarks follow the conclusion of two days of talks between the leaders of the two levels of government. There was no word however on the outcome of the talks but some federal member state leaders spoke made some posts on social media.

Puntland President Abdullahi Deni said the talks focused on groundwork for the formal talks.

“Just concluded the 2nd day of the preliminary meeting of the FMS, FGS and BRA. Discussion agenda included: conducting upcoming consultative conference, and key challenges facing implementation of the 17-September-agreement #electoral model,” Deni said.

Galmudug President Ahmed Qoorqoor returned home Sunday evening as the rest of the regional leaders are also on course to exiting the city according to sources.

The FMS leaders have been camping in Mogadishu for close to a month.