Meles said IGAD will continue its effort to assist the people of Somalia to bring about lasting solution to the problem

Addis ababa,Sunatimes- Prime Minister Meles Zenawi urged the IGAD member states, Somalis, AU and other stakeholders to play their respective role in more proactive manner to help reverse the situation in Somali which is not encouraging.

Addressing the 15th Extra -Ordinary Summit of IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government held here on Monday Meles, who is also the chairperson of the Summit, said besides recent unreliable security in the country, the approaching end of the transition period calls for serious work within the remaining time frame.

Hence, Meles said as the tasks to be accomplished during the transition period are enormous; a lot is expected from the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and other partners.

In fact, he said "We appreciate the commitment of the TFG to peruse a policy of out reach and national reconciliation throughout the country".

"Somalis as owners of their own destiny have to be at the forefront. Their role cannot be replaced by any one. IGAD and others can only support the endeavor of the people of Somali." The premier noted.

The chairperson commended the decision of the 36th Extra -Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers to send a military mission to Somali was most appropriate.

The chairperson said the signing of historic agreement between TFG with Ahlu Suna Wal Jamaa on 15th March 2010 at the AU headquarter is a commendable development and its full implementation is indeed critical.

Meles said IGAD will continue its effort to assist the people of Somalia to bring about lasting solution to the problem.

IGAD Executive Secretary Eng. Maboub M. Maalim on his part said though efforts have been put in the possible restoration of peace and orders in Somalia and yet the result has not been quite desirable.

Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Erastus Mwencha on his part lauded IGAD’s commitment to resolve the situation in Somalia.

He said AU remained committed and resolute in its effort together with IGAD and the UN for the restoration of peace and security, law and order as well as for the launching of reconstruction and development in Somalia.

President of the TFG of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and IGAD Partners Forum representative delivered speeches to the Summit.