Letter from The Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown Minister of State to Lord Avebury, 16th Sept 2007
The Rt Hon Lord Avebury MP
House of Lords
London
SW1A OPW
Dear Lord Avebury,
Thank you for your letter of 20 August about making representations to the Somaliland Authorities regarding the arrest and detention of three politicians on 28 July 2007. I am replying as Minister responsible for Africa
The Government has been encouraged by the very good progress that the Somaliland authorities have made on democracy and stability. However we recognise that further improvements in democratization and governance are needed. We are actively encouraging, and provide significant assistance to, the Somaliland authorities to ensure progress is maintained.
We too have been concerned by some of the recent events, including the arrest and detention of members of the Qaran Association. Progress on democratisation is a major asset to Somaliland’s ambitions and any regression will affect the international community’s view of them.
The UK joined other international partners in August 2007 in sending, through the Somali Democratisation Steering Committee, a strong message to President Riyale requesting the Somaliland authorities address the detention of Qaran Association members. This letter also pointed out that donors will continue to invest in Somaliland on the basis of progress on democratisation being maintained.
The Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown
Minister of State
Source: Lord Avebury
