OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE
16.07.2012
President
James Michel has met with the President of the Transitional Federal
Government of Somalia, President Sharif Sheik Ahmed in the margins of
the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, to make a plea for the release of the two
Seychellois hostages still held in Somalia, Rolly Tambara and Marc
Songoire.
In the meeting, President Michel recalled the appeals
that Seychelles has been making in all quarters for the rapid release
on the Seychellois hostages, and asked President Sharif to add his
weight to the efforts being undertaken. President Michel stated that
in view of the progress being made in Somalia to build stability, he
was seeking the strengthening of efforts by the TFG to be able to
assist with their release since negotiations with the pirate groups
were taking much too long.
President Michel highlighted the pain
felt by the families of the two innocent fishermen who have been
deprived of their freedom. The President also reiterated to the Somali
President that resolution of issues such as this reflected on the
ability of Somalia to move forward towards stability and development
and urged him to do his utmost to solve the situation.
President
Sharif responded that he would do the maximum possible to try and
achieve a resolution to the problem, while also noting the serious
concerns that continue to exist in terms of the security situation in
Somalia. He briefed the Seychelles delegation on the latest
developments in Somalia, and thanked the delegation for its support in
relation to the ongoing efforts being made to improve the stability in
Somalia and achieve a sustainable solution. In view of Seychelles’
international leadership in terms of the fight against piracy, he also
stated that his government was making serious efforts to address this
issue, and asked for Seychelles’ assistance in continuing to sensitise
the international community with regards to the needs of the TFG to
improve its capacity in this sector.
Seychelles made an appeal to
all world leaders last year for improved coordination of the efforts
to stabilise Somalia and fight piracy, and following the London
Conference on Somalia in February 2012, it was noted that great strides
were being made to improve the situation in Somalia itself.
President
Michel welcomed the adoption of a new draft constitution for Somalia on
23rd June this year, and stated that the world was looking forward to
its adoption following the necessary internal procedures as a framework
for enhancing stability. He also welcomed efforts personally led by
President Sharif to improve the coordination among different Somali
authorities as illustrated by the signing of the Dubai Charter earlier this month, strengthening cooperation between the TFG and the region of Somaliland.
The
Seychelles Government has been working on a number of fronts to
achieve the liberation of Marc Songoire and Rolly Tambara, including
through the High Level Committee on Piracy and its negotiating team, as
well as in depth diplomatic efforts with international and regional
partners.
End
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