Somalia to get extra time to meet UN deadline

United Nations: Somalia’s transitional government missed a UN deadline on Monday to elect a new president but will be given more time to complete political steps agreed with the Security Council, diplomats said.

In line with the August 20 deadline set by the Security Council, the assembly should also have elected a president, a parliamentary speaker and deputy speaker.

Deputies have said the votes will be held within days, but diplomats and observers in Mogadishu are more pessimistic.

“The current political process has been as undemocratic as the one it seeks to replace, with unprecedented levels of political interference, corruption and intimidation,” the International Crisis Group think tank said.

Despite the doubts, UN diplomats said the Somali transitional government would be given more time.

“They will be given more breathing space though clearly we can’t wait months,” said one diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity as talks on a Security Council reaction are still going on.

“Important steps have been taken and given the considerable international effort taken up so far, there is an interest for all to give them a little more time,” added another diplomat.