SOMALILAND

Early day motion 938, tabled 21 February 2007 by Alun Michael (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

That this House congratulates Somaliland on 16 years of democratic development which has included local government elections, parliamentary elections and presidential elections, including a close-fought election in which the narrowly-defeated presidential candidate accepted the result `because we are a democracy'; considers this to be a model example of successful democracy in one small corner of Africa; calls on the international community not to overlook the thriving democracy of Somaliland in its understandable enthusiasm to see peace and an effective administration in the South; believes that it is for Somalis to decide their own future and that the international community must not ride roughshod over Somaliland in search of a tidy solution; welcomes the demonstration on 22nd February 2007 as a way of celebrating democratic success; further welcomes the solidarity and loyalty of the Somaliland community in the UK to their homeland; further welcomes the interest and engagement of successive UK Ministers in the emerging democracy of Somaliland; considers this to be right and fair given the contribution of Somalilanders to the UK's economy and defence in three centuries, two world wars and numerous other conflicts; and applauds the patience with which Somaliland, while working hard at its own capacity for self determination and democratic development, has awaited peace in the South so that Somalis can sit down and work out their future together.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 7, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.