London, UK, February 20, 2007 – Somaliland Forum welcomes the revival of the US-funded Voice of America’s Somali-language service back to the airwaves after discontinuing nearly 13 years ago. Many things have changed during that time and Somaliland Forum anticipates all nations in the Horn will be fairly covered including The Republic of Somaliland.

We genuinely hope the VOA’s Washington headquarters will hold its freelance reporters to the highest ethical standards and not allow the exclusive or dominant coverage of just one nation. In the marketplace of ideas the dissemination of information is of the utmost importance especially in the Horn where millions depend on the   accurate and fair reporting of the BBC and VOA.

Somalia has been unstable since the   Somali-language ceased to broadcast in 1994. It is in the interest of all the nations in that area to have Somalia stabilized.   Somaliland had exited the Union with Somalia in 1991 and though not perfect, it has erected Democratic institutions that it today enjoys peace and relative tranquility. We wish the same for Somalia and the innocent women and children who suffer daily.

Somaliland listeners expect a balanced coverage from Voice of America and this organization will listen intently to the Somali-language broadcasts.    

SOMALILAND FORUM

Somaliland Forum   is an independent Diaspora   think-tank that advocates for the Sovereignty,   Democracy and socioeconomic development of   the Republic of Somaliland .   We work with Somaliland communities, supporters, governments and NGO's. For more information please contact: chair@somalilandfor um.com or our website   www.somalilandforum .org