International Republic Institute(IRI) opens office in Somaliland

Jun 20 2008

Hargeisa(QARAN)-

The International Republic Institute(IRI) has formallyopened a new office in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.The International Republic Institute is a non-profit, nonpartisan organisation dedicated to advancing freedom anddemocracy worldwide by helping to support civicinstitutions, open elections and good governance.

At a reception held at the Mansoor Hotel in Hargeisaattended by senior members of the Somaliland government,members of the Somaliland parliament, party officials,social activist, members of the press and other guest, theSpeaker of the Somaliland parliament, Mudane AbdirahmanMohamed Abdillahi welcomed the opening of the new IRI office in Somaliland.

In a his brief remarks at the ceremony, Speaker AbdirahmanMohamed stated that IRI has always played a significantrole in the democratic development of Somaliland and byopening an office in the country has shown its support ofthe country's democratic credentials.

Speaker Abdirahman Mohamed concluded his remarks bypledging the support of the people of Somaliland towardsIRI's efforts in the country and encouraged the peopleof Somaliland to safeguard and maintain the stability which has made Somaliland a beacon of hope in a volatile region.

The IRI director for East Africa, Mr. Ted Levassiur alsospoke at the ceremony to mark the opening of the new IRIoffice in Hargeisa. Mr.Levassiur outlined recentco-operation between Somaliland and IRI including thehistoric presidential and parliamentary elections in 2003and 2005 respectively.

The opening of the IRI office in Hargeisa is seen by manyas sign of further engagement between Somaliland and otherinternational institutions.

SomalilandPress