Gulf States Concerned about Somalia Unrest
Gulf countries expressed on Saturday their concern over the recent developments in Somalia, urging restraint after clashes broke out between government troops and opposition supporters, who were protesting over delayed elections.
Saudi Arabia expressed its concern
over the unrest, saying the government was closely watching the developments.
The Foreign Ministry called for
calm, hoping that the Somali people will resolve their differences through
peaceful means and dialogue in order to preserve their country’s unity and
stability.
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called on the Somali
government and all parties to exercise restraint in order to achieve their
people’s aspirations for a secure and stable future.
It added that it supports all
international efforts and initiatives to hold elections on time.
The Gulf Cooperation Council urged
calm in Somalia, saying differences must be resolved through peaceful means,
such as negotiations and constructive dialogue, in order to reach comprehensive
national consensus to boost security, stability and development in the country.
Somali lawmakers were due to
select a new president on Feb. 8, but the process was delayed after the
opposition accused President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who is seeking a second
term, of packing regional and national electoral boards with supporters.
An opposition alliance says his
term has expired and he is no longer president.
Several people have been wounded
in the clashes the broke out on Friday.
