ELECTIONS IN SOMALILAND

That this House congratulates the people of Somaliland on the democratic and peaceful process through which they have elected a new government; further congratulates Ahmed Mohamed Mahamoud Silanyo of the Kulmiye Party on being elected President; notes that after a previous election when he was narrowly defeated Silanyo urged his followers not to dispute the result, saying `we accept the outcome - we are a democracy now'; believes that the peaceful transfer of power is greatly to the credit of outgoing President Riyale and of all three parties contesting the election; welcomes the Government's commitment to reward these democratic achievements through increasing existing development aid and help in supporting the democratic institutions in Somaliland; is encouraged by the Prime Minister's positive response to the election and his promise of ongoing support for Somaliland; and further believes that 20 years of democratic development has earned Somaliland a much greater degree of respect, support and encouragement from the international community.