GAROWE, Somalia --- Puntland government in northern Somalia has responded threatening statements made by the Interior Minister of Somalia's separatist administration of Somaliland on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.| Just when you think there's one small part of Somalia that has the slightest bit of sanity... |
"It is strange that Ali Mohamed Waran Ade [Somaliland's Interior Minister] whose clan's constituency is known to claim the ownership of Taleh, it is unfortunate, clear and provocative violation," said MP Garad.
Continuing, MP Garad said: "We came here [Taleh] to learn the needs of our people and to reconcile the local communities of Sool region; these people showed us their support and Puntland Defence Forces are tasked with protecting Puntland citizens in every constituency".
He noted that the border of Somaliland is demarcated on the outskirts of Buroa and that Sool and Sanaag regions are home to Harti communities who share kinship with Puntland clans.
Puntland Government's response comes after Somaliland Minister of Interior Ali Mohamed Waran Ade threatened attack on Puntland as welcoming rallies held for Puntland Vice President Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire in Taleh district of Sool region last Tuesday.
Threats of Instability have lingered over the region since Somaliland forces militarily seized control of Lasanod in October 2007 and Puntland previously declared that it would firmly deal with any provocative measures by Somaliland.