IMF recognizes Somalia govt. after 22-year break in relationsApril 13, 2013 - 13:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The International Monetary Fund has recognized the government of Somalia after a break in relations of 22 years, BBC News reported. The move could enable the IMF to provide technical support and policy advice to the impoverished country in the Horn of Africa. However, the IMF will not lend money to Somalia until it clears a $352m debt it owes to the organization. Somalia has been slowly rebuilding itself following two decades of civil conflict. "The International Monetary Fund today recognized the federal government of Somalia, headed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paving the way for the resumption of relations after a 22-year interval," the IMF said in a statement. "The decision is consistent with broad international support and recognition of the Federal Government." Although Somalia has been an IMF member since August 1962, the years of civil war meant there was no government with which the fund could deal. International donors have slowly been re-engaging with the Mogadishu government since President Mohamud's election last year. It was the first vote of its kind in the country since warlords toppled military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The U.S. officially recognized Somalia in January, acknowledging the new government's progress towards political stability and attempts to end the insurgency by Islamist militants al-Shabab. Although Washington never formally cut diplomatic ties with Somalia, the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident - in which 18 US servicemen died after militia fighters shot down two US military helicopters - marked the country's descent into anarchy. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |