Nairobi, 02 October 2009 – The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has congratulated Somaliland officials on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the way forward to holding presidential elections which had been previously postponed.

"Let me congratulate the Somaliland political parties on this courageous step towards a peaceful and successful outcome to the impasse that had characterized their political life of late," he said.

"I wish to reiterate that the signing of the Memorandum is but a step in the right direction, which should lead to the holding of a free, fair and peaceful plebiscite, and that a lasting and durable solution lies with the parties themselves through peaceful means."

"This MOU is a testament to the Somalilanders' tradition of resolving internal conflict peacefully as well as a credit to the public officials who understand their role as civil servants.

"The example set by the Somaliland parties should serve as a major encouragement to all Somalis that only through dialogue, compromise and tolerance, can a win-win situation be achieved. Violence will never achieve what peaceful dialogue can.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the invaluable mediation role played by the international community, and encourage it to continue its support for the people of Somaliland as they continue on their path to peace and reconciliation and peaceful elections."