Mogadishu, 20 August 2012 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, offers his warmest congratulations on the remarkable occasion of the inauguration of the new Somali Federal Parliament. He pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Traditional Elders for identifying the candidates, the Technical Selection Committee (TSC) for diligently vetting the candidates and to all the Somali people at this moment of hope, optimism and progress. The SRSG also commends the work of the international observers to the TSC for their determination and diligence in assisting the Committee in carrying out its functions.