Mogadishu (SD) – The United Nations is pushing for renewed talks between Somalia and Somaliland that have stalled for years.

United Nations Ambassador to Somalia James Swan visited Hargeisa, and on a special message to President Muse Bihi, expressed his support for the UN’s efforts to build mutual trust and strengthening the dialogue between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.

Swan said “We believe that there are many opportunities within a broad cooperation to improve security, promote economic growth, and improve people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, Somaliland’s foreign minister, Yasin Faraton, said President Muse Bihi had assured the UN delegation that Somaliland was ready to talk with Somalia.

There has been a fundamental agenda issues for the talks, from its inception, there never was a consensus among the public in what the parties are allowed to talk about, Somalia unity or Somaliland independence.

Until Somalis on both side, agree on one way or the other, these talks will only further divide the public.