Hargeysa, Somaliland, June 21, 2008 (SL Times) – The International Republican Institute (IRI) officially opened on Thursday a new office in Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland.
The International Republican Institute is a non-profit, non partisan organization dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide by helping to support civic institutions, open elections and good governance.
At a reception held at the Mansoor Hotel in Hargeysa attended by senior members of the Somaliland government, members of the Somaliland parliament, party officials, social activists, members of the press and other guests, the Speaker of the Somaliland parliament, Mr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi welcomed the opening of the new IRI office in Somaliland.
In a his brief remarks at the ceremony, Speaker Abdirahman Mohamed stated that IRI has always played a significant role in the democratic development of Somaliland and by opening an office in the country has shown its support of the country's democratic credentials.
Speaker Abdirahman Mohamed concluded his remarks by pledging the support of the people of Somaliland towards IRI's efforts in the country, and encouraged the people of Somaliland to safeguard and maintain the stability which has made Somaliland a beacon of hope in a volatile region.
The IRI director for East Africa, Mr. Ted Levassiur also spoke at the ceremony to mark the opening of the new IRI office in Hargeysa. Mr.Levassiur outlined recent co-operation between Somaliland and IRI including the historic presidential and parliamentary lections in 2003 and 2005 respectively.
The opening of the IRI office in Hargeysa is seen by many as sign of further engagement between Somaliland and other international institutions.
The IRI’s office is located at the Maansoor Hotel.
Source: Qarannews
Somalilandtimes:
http://somalilandtimes.net/sl/2008/335/5.shtml
