Tuesday, January 10, 2006

WE WISH TO WARN ALL FOREIGN COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN THESE FALSE CONTRACTS THAT THEY CANNOT ENTER SOMALILAND



We wish to make it known to all concerned that the boundaries of the Republic of Somaliland are those that were established during the colonial Era as were all the borders of all countries in Africa. During that time, the borders of the Italian Colony of ‘La Somalia Italiana’ and those of ‘British Somaliland Protectorate’ were demarcated according to internationally recognized Treaties that became deposited with the United Nations. The charters of the organization of African Unity, as well those of the African Union also stipulate the respect of borders of countries o­n achieving their independence.

It has now come to our attention that o­n the 18/10/2005, the Regional Administration of Majertenia in North Somalia, has entered into an illegal agreement with Range Resource Limited, which gives this Australian company Exploration Rights for oil and other resources in areas that are well inside the internationally recognized territory of Somaliland, which include our regions of Sool and Sanaag. We have also been informed that the president of the Administration of Somalia and his prime Minister, who has no jurisdiction over Somaliland, have given their support to this illegal agreement.

We therefore wish to warn all foreign companies that have been given these false contracts that they cannot enter Somaliland, nor carry out exploration or mining activities in our country, and if they should do so, will face whatever action that Somaliland deems necessary to protect the integrity of its territory. Any such action may jeopardize the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa and may result in the loss or damage of any equipment that these foreign companies have illegally brought into Somaliland.

Somaliland Foreign Minister Foreign Minister

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