SOMALIA: Puntland says the visit of Somaliland leader in Lasanod was ‘Provocative’

PRESS RELEASE
09 October 2011
Somalia: Puntland Condemns Somaliland Leader’s Provocative Visit
The leader of Somaliland’s separatist administration, in northwestern Somalia, has visited military positions in parts of Sool region of Puntland.
Sool and Sanaag regions are part of Puntland State of Somalia. Since October 2007, Somaliland forces have occupied Las Anod town against the wishes of the local population. Regrettably, it is Somaliland’s occupation that has triggered extremists to operate in those regions by benefiting from local grievances.
The Somaliland leader, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Silanyo), visited Las Anod town and reached approximately 18km from the Puntland defense line at Tukaraq town in Sool region.
We urge Somali neighbors, regional powers and the wider international community to note Somaliland’s provocation against Puntland, which might ignite a conflict and destabilize the region.
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