ADDIS ABABA - The leaders of Somalia's competing political factionsare meeting with international mediators to tackle critical issuesstanding in the way of the formation of a post-transitiongovernment. All of Somalia's top political leaders are attending the closeddoor talks, which are expected to last at least two days. President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed is here, along with Prime MinisterAbdiweli Mohamed Ali, as well as the speaker of the House and thepresident of the breakaway northern region of Puntland. Also here are special envoys from a host of interested partieshoping to help these politicians bring an end to Somalia'sreputation at one of the world's worst failed states. Despite the smiles and handshakes, the participants know they facea monumental task in following the internationally-agreed plan to afunctioning government by August 20. One diplomat quipped that the road map is more like a minefield,strewn with explosive issues. Among them is selecting a group of825 elders from among Somalia's feuding clans who will ratify aconstitution and choose members of a post-transition parliament. The road map calls for the parliament to be in place by June 15. Transitional Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali says he believesit can be done, if all parties negotiate in good faith. "Most of the issues are agreed upon. There are contentiouslittle things that there [are] some disagreements on -- the eldersand also the Constitution. These are things that are notinsurmountable. We can agree. And if you have honest and opendialogue, we will be able to reach a consensus on theseissues," Ali said. In an earlier interview, Prime Minister Ali called the selection ofthe 825 elders a critical step in meeting the August deadline. "After that, we reduce parliament from 550 to 225 becauseSomalia cannot afford a parliament of 550 members. So we're goingto have a lean, more efficient parliament in July. They will electa speaker, then a president and the establishment of a newgovernment by August, 2012," Ali said. With 90 days until the transitional government's mandate expires,the parties are racing to settle their differences. Diplomats attending the meetings say the massive tasks facingnegotiators might require extending the two days of meetings. Onerepresentative of a western country, who asked not to beidentified, issued a cautiously optimistic prediction, saying,"They will succeed because they have to.". I am an expert from swimmingpool-cleaner.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Swimming Pool Chemical Dispenser , Swimming Pool Cleaner Manufacturer, Swimming Pool Cleaner,and more.
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