Hargeysa, Somaliland, May 20, 2006 – The Republic of Somaliland celebrated the 15 th anniversary of its reclamation of independence on Thursday.

In a major speech for commemoration of the occasion on day Somaliland declared independence on May 18, 1991, Somaliland president Dahir Rayale Kahin described the two most important priorities of his government as the pursuit of the issue of recognition and securing investments for the creation of jobs for Somaliland youth.

Mr. Rayale reiterated his support for the decision of the Somaliland House of Elders on May 6 to extend their tenure for another 4 years. The term of the current house of elders was due to expire by October 2006.

But the opposition parties and most of the Somaliland public have already expressed rejection of the extension as illegal.

The constitution has not be clear on the identification of the body mandated to extend the term of the Guurti.

However a clause passed by the house of Representatives stipulates that incase it was not possible to hold the Guurti’s election due to circumstances beyond control, then the president should propose to the lower house to consider extending the Guurti’s term.

President Rayale disclosed that his government will soon introduce grades for civil servants and ranks for the military and police.

The president voiced his concern over the way in which the Somaliland media particularly the newspapers presented news and information to the public. He urged journalists to exercise responsibility while reporting on the political process.

Mr. Rayale reminded reporters to improve their journalistic standards through learning and training.

Source: Somaliland Times