Somaliland President meets with UK ambassador

Somaliland president Muse Bihi Abdi today received the UK ambassador to Somalia, Ben Fender at his office.

According to a brief statement by the president’s office, the two sides discussed Somaliland’s elections among other issues of mutual interest.

The meeting comes a day after the government officially pronounced the death of latest attempt to break the deadlock over the National Elections Commission. In a statement issued yesterday, the government said it does not have a legal basis to dismiss the controversial elections commission, which is the proposal accepted by both the government and opposition parties.

Somaliland’s international partners have repeatedly insisted on holding parliamentary and local elections this year.

Another likely subject for the discussions is the execution of six men by firing squad at Mandeera Prison which reportedly dismayed the UK mission to Somalia.

The European Union Ambassador to Somalia,Nicholas Berlanga indirectly criticized the move implying that it was a distraction from the challenges facing the country such as elections.rule of law, and development. The ambassador added that the Europan Union has principled and strong position against death penalty.