GAROWE, Somalia -- Puntland Government in northern Somalia has responded to a surprise visit to Sanaag regional district of Laasqoray by the President of Somalia's separatist administration of Somaliland Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Siilaanyo on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.Addressing reporters at Information Ministry Headquarters in Puntland Capital of Garowe, Puntland Information Minister Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle (Indho Guran) called the the tour a ‘provocative' and condemned Somaliland for fomenting insecurity and armed confrontations in peaceful areas.
"Puntland is ready to defend its borders, we warn of new conflicts with [Puntland] neighbor," said Indho Guran, adding that Puntland government remains committed to lasting peace and improved security situation in the disputed regions in northern Somalia.
During his ‘two hours' stay in the coastal town of Laasqoray, about 105km from the Gulf of Adan port city of Bossaso, Somaliland leader toured several landmark sites including fish factory, with sources within Somaliland government unveiling that Siilaanyo laid a foundation rock for a new seaport.
| So they'll fight over a fish factory... |
The newly elected Puntland President Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas pledged the restoration of Sool regional capital of Lasanod back in the hands of native residents at the height Puntland elections campaign. Political analysts say, the public speech might have pushed President Siilaanyo into the regional tour.
Puntland and Somaliland have fought sporadic battles since 2002 over the control of territories mainly in Sool region following the seizure of Lasanod in military offensive in October 2007 by Somaliland forces.
Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia unilaterally declared its independence from the rest of the country as a de facto sovereign state in 1991 but it hasn't been recognized internationally yet.