MOGADISHU (SD) – Leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland states have called on UN and AU to host the upcoming consultative forum proposed by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo which is slated for Thursday.

In separate statements on Tuesday night, both states have demanded the venue for the conference to be “safe place”.

“We welcome dialogue between PM Roble & Council of P. C. This paves the way for an inclusive national election; therefore, we urge the UN and Amisom in Somalia to arrange a safe venue at the airport 2 conclude the discussions on obstacles facing the implementation of Sept 17 agreement,” Puntland state leader Saed Abdullahi Deni said in a Twitter post.

Jubbaland state leader Ahmed Mohamed Madobe who also welcomed talks between federal government and Council of Presidential Candidates has also voiced his call for the summit to be held in secured area.

“Jubbaland encourages the ongoing dialogue between the opposition and prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. The state is also ready to attend a conference in a safe place on the implementation of 17-Sep deal,” leader said.

Meanwhile the conference was opposed by the Council of Presidential Candidates who accused Farmajo of undermining reconciliation between the federal government and opposition.

“It is unfortunate that former President Farmaajo is intentionally undermining the talks between the prime minister and the Council of Presidential Candidate,” the coalition said in a statement.

The opposition said the announced FGS-FMS forum is only meant to disrupt their conference with Somali PM.

“This call by the former President is only aimed at sabotaging talks between the PM and the Council. The Council warns (against) derailing talks between the PM and opposition candidates, which deserve to be given a chance to bear fruit,” the opposition said.

Further talks between the opposition leaders and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble slated for the same day when FGS-FMS leaders meet in Mogadishu.