U.S congratulates Somalia for Adopting the Provisional Constitution

The U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has on behalf of President Barack Obama congratulated Somalia’s constituent Assembly and the entire Somali people for Wednesday’s historic vote to approve the country’s Provisional Constitution.

In a press statement from her office, the Secretary of State said “By laying the foundations for a mutually agreed upon system of governance, this vote moves Somalia closer towards lasting stability.”

She said the 825 member assembly represented the diverse concerns of the nation as it reviewed and ultimately approved the Provisional Constitution, defying intimidation of death threats and political pressure.

“Despite significant logistical difficulties, political pressure, death threats, and two attacks on the National Constituent Assembly venue, this vote affirms that the Somali people will not be intimidated by violence as they work to rebuild their country. The people of the United States applaud the members of the National Constituent Assembly for their dedication and conviction,” said Hillary Clinton.

Clinton urged Somali leaders to quickly complete the remaining tasks including the selection of a new parliament that will elect its speaker and the president to end the transition on schedule, and usher the country in a new era of governance that is more responsive, representative, and accountable.

“Our support for Somalia and the Somali people will continue beyond the end of the transition. We stand with the people of Somalia on your path toward peace, stability, prosperity,” added Clinton.

The U.S Secretary of State who is now on an official trip to Africa is scheduled to meet in Nairobi Somali leaders early this month.

Hillary Clinton will meet President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and other signatories to the Roadmap aimed at ending the transition period to underscore U.S. support for completing the political transition in Somalia by August 20^th.

During her tour to Africa, the U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be visiting Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.