Speaker leads Puntland delegation to Galkayo

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Somalia: Speaker leads Puntland delegation to Galkayo
7 Jul 7, 2009 - 7:25:43 PM

GALKAYO, Somalia July 7 (Garowe Online) - The parliament Speaker in Somalia's semiautonomous State of Puntland led a government delegation to the city of Galkayo Monday, Radio Garowe reports.

Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, Speaker of the Puntland Parliament, led a delegation that included Health Minister Dr. Bashir Ali Bihi, Information Minister Warsame Shirwa "Sefta Bananka," and Women's Affairs Minister, Ms. Asha Ghelle.

The delegation also included a number of vice ministers and members of the Puntland parliament.

On Tuesday, the delegation held extensive talks with regional and district officials in Galkayo, capital of Mudug region. Galkayo connects the stable regions in Puntland to the war-torn regions of south-central Somalia.

In recent months, the town has been the scene of violent attacks among local clans and militiamen have staged attacks on government outposts, including the prison.

Speaker Hersi's delegation has not addressed the media or held any public events yet. But sources close to the meetings in Galkayo said the discussions were centered on improving security and local governance structures.

Source: Garowe Online