Adoption of Somalia's Provisional Constitution
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 2, 2012
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want
to congratulate the members of the Somali National Constituent Assembly
and the Somali people on yesterday's historic vote to approve Somalia’s
Provisional Constitution. By laying the foundations for a mutually
agreed upon system of governance, this vote moves Somalia closer towards
lasting stability.
Made up of 825 Somalis from across the
country, the National Constituent Assembly represented the diverse
concerns of the nation as it reviewed and ultimately approved the
Provisional Constitution. Despite significant logistical difficulties,
political pressure, death threats, and two attacks on the National
Constituent Assembly venue, this vote affirms that the Somali people
will not be intimidated by violence as they work to rebuild their
country. The people of the United States applaud the members of the
National Constituent Assembly for their dedication and conviction.
The
next step in Somalia's political transition is for Somalia's
traditional elders to select a new parliament that will elect a speaker
of parliament and president. We urge that these remaining tasks be
completed quickly and transparently so that the transition ends on
schedule, and Somalia is able to usher in a new era of governance that
is more responsive, representative, and accountable. Our support for
Somalia and the Somali people will continue beyond the end of the
transition. We stand with the people of Somalia on your path toward
peace, stability, prosperity.
