Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Somali Federal Members of Parliament approved
Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed as the country's Prime Minister,
following a vote in the Parliament on Saturday.
The speaker of the parliament announced that 239 of the lawmakers
voted in favor of the appointment, and shortly after being approved the
new Prime Minister was sworn in the presence of President Hassan Sheikh
Mohamud. "As the new Prime Minister tasked with forming a government, I
promise to create an administration that will respect the constitution
and the principle of good governance," President Ahmed said addressing
the lawmakers.
"My government will work with parliament and other government
institutions. I will appoint a larger and more effective cabinet soon.
My government will improve security, health, education and
reconstruction," he added.
The endorsement of Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as Prime Minister has been welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn.
Hailemariam has congratulated Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed on his appointment as Prime Minister of Somalia.
"On behalf of the people and the government of the federal democratic
republic of Ethiopia and that of my own, I would like to extend my
warmest congratulation to you on your appointment as the Prime Minister
of the federal republic of Somalia," Hailemariam said in a letter to
Abdiwali.
"It is my conviction that, under your leadership the existing
friendly relationship between our two sisterly countries will be further
strengthened for the mutual benefit of our brotherly peoples," he
added.
He wished the new Prime Minister of Somalia to lead the country to a peace and prosperity.
Similarly, the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia
Ambassador Nicholas Kay congratulated the Prime Minister of Somalia on
his appointment, describing the process as a key step heading into 2014.
The UN envoy also expressed conviction that the incoming Prime
Minister will consult widely in forming his new cabinet, 'and aim to
establish a broadly inclusive government capable of delivering rule of
law, good governance and public services'.
He also urged Parliament, the Government and the Presidency to
continue working together constructively in full respect of the
Provisional Federal Constitution.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs