SOMALI BUSINESS COUNCIL
Statement
on the Promotion of Peace and Reconciliation in
Issued
in
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On the 16th and 17th of April 2003, members of the Somali Business Council and the Center for Research & Dialogue (CRD), an affiliate of WSP International, jointly organized a Forum in Dubai, UAE to discuss the continuing problems of conflict and statelessness facing all Somalis. This is a matter of grave concern to members of the Somali business community, who hope to see their homeland reach its full development potential and return to a rightful place in the international community. This Forum represents a
historical opportunity for the Somali business community whose leverage
and potentiality in the current political, economical and social crisis
has not been utilized. The Forum brought together the Somali business
groups to exchange their ideas and views about peace and reconciliation
efforts for The continuing conflict limits the role of a growing economy and active business community in providing employment for the Somali people and increased access to essential services. In the absence of a recognized governing authority, even basic activities that provide Somalis with commodities and market items, electricity, communications and travel, may unintentionally provide resources to the conflicting Somali parties. The only way to bring lasting peace and reconciliation is to establish justice and equality to all Somalis. While engaging with the antagonists in the Somali conflict remains an essential component of finding a negotiated solution to the problem, further support is needed to foster mutual trust amongst the Somali people and support them to determine their own future. Since the Somali Business Council includes individuals drawn from all Somali territories and clans, its members are perceived as being in a position to support an inclusive and influential dialogue. In this regard, participants at the Dubai Forum resolved they will undertake the following: |
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Ø Continue to remain engaged in discussions and learning about the Somali crisis and the opportunities available to promote peace and reconciliation.
Ø Promote business initiatives that will help in the alleviation of humanitarian needs and contribute to sustainable development for all Somalis.
Ø Work to ensure that ongoing business activities do not contribute to the Somali “war economy” and the perpetuation of violence and statelessness.
Ø Engage in discussions with Somalis and representatives of the international community to determine the best ways of contributing to ongoing peace, reconciliation and development efforts.
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Affirm that the outcome of this
Forum will be implemented thoroughly in cooperation with other stakeholders inside
and outside
Ø Establish a periodic consultative/advisory meeting between the Somali Business Council with CRD and other Somali institutions.
Ø
Utilize the connections and ties
of the Somali Business Council for nurturing and enhancing the ongoing peace
and reconciliation conferences both inside and outside
To these ends, members of the Somali Business Council have decided to create a Peace and Reconciliation Committee that will continue to collect information on the opportunities available to the Somali business community to support peace and reconciliation and to raise support amongst all Somalis to take advantage of such opportunities.
In conclusion, the participating
members of the Somali Business Council express gratitude to the Dubai Chamber
of Commerce and Industry of the brotherly
Somali Business Council Center
for Research and Dialogue (CRD)
U.A.E –
Contact Person: Contact
Person:
Sharif Ahmed (Shino) Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle
00971-50-651-3250 0025259-60811,
002521-658-666
sharifco@emirates.net.ae jabril@crdsomalia.org
sharifco@hotmail.com crd@crdsomalia.org