Islamic organization calls on Somali people to remain united

LONDON (A.A) - The secretary general of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Thursday called on all Somali parties to remain united. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called on all Somali parties to remain united, cohesive and strictly focused on the tasks ahead. "After more than two decades of conflict and chaos, Somalia, today is at a critical juncture," Ihsanoglu said during an international conference on Somalia in London, Britain. Ihsanoglu underlined importance of cooperation of the international community regarding Somalia, and said the expulsion of Al -Shabaab from Mogadishu by AMISOM, the Kenyan military operation in Southern Somalia, the Ethiopian military offensive in Central Somalia, as well as the sustained fight against piracy, had created an added momentum for achieving the goals of the transition. Drawing attention to the current crisis at the Somali parliament, Ihsanoglu said if not well managed, it could derail the transition. "I therefore call upon the parliamentarians, as patriots, at this historical moment, to resolve their differences immediately in the interests of the long suffering people of Somalia," he said. Ihsanoglu highlighted importance of ensuring compromise and security in Somalia, and said he firmly believed that a new beginning was possible in Somalia but it could only be attained if all Somalis at home and abroad maintained their cohesion. "Let the London and the upcoming Istanbul conferences pave the road to lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the region," Ihsanoglu also said.