ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 15, 2007 – The German Parliament on Wednesday passed a resolution, inter alia “asking the German Federal Government to work towards mitigating dangers for Somaliland’s stability that may arise from the current Southern Somali scenario”.

The parliament is asking the government “to examine whether initiatives to advance the resolution of the question of an international recognition of an independent Somaliland appear useful in the framework of a peace-advancing policy at this stage”. Furthermore, the parliamentarians have asked that the government to ask TFG interim president Abdillahi Yussuf not to take any unilateral steps that relate to this question and which could provoke a deterioration of security in the Republic of Somaliland.

Somaliland and Germany enjoy very healthy relations, strengthening economic ties. Germany is among the European countries which Somaliland’s banking system has established operational links with. Besides, the government of the republic Somaliland last year signed a joint venture agreement with German companies in the areas of cement production, coal powered electricity plant and a gypsum factory at the cost of 250-300 million USD.

It is to be recalled that Sweden just a few months back decided to consider Somaliland as a separate entity from Somalia and deal directly with Somaliland government when it comes to economic assistance.

Somaliland ’s President is currently on tour to Nordic countries, advocating the recognition of his country and foreign investments.

Somaliland is a de facto independent republic located in the Horn of Africa within the internationally recognized borders of Somalia. On May 18, 1991, the people of Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. However, it was not recognized by any other country or international organization. The Republic of Somaliland consists of six administrative regions with a governor as the highest-ranking leader of each region. •