Accord which “sets out clear steps for ending the transition and putting in place a constitutional order” in Somalia at the “Garowe II Conference”, was welcomed by UNSG Ban Ki-moon (through his spokesperson). “The Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) applauds the spirit of unity and commitment demonstrated by the Roadmap signatories as well as representatives from the areas recently recovered from Al-Shabaab who participated,” the statement noted. Senior members of Somalia's Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), parliamentary leaders and representatives of self-declared autonomous regions within Somalia all took part in the conference, which was held in Garowe, Puntland. Augustine Mahiga, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, also participated in the conference, which took place less than a week before the international community gathers in London for a major conference on the way forward for Somalia. The TFIs are in the process of implementing a roadmap devised in September last year. That roadmap spells out priority measures to be carried out before the current transitional governing arrangements end in August. Mr. Ban said in today's statement that he particularly welcomed the commitment to include a minimum of 30 per cent women in the Independent Electoral Commission, the Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament. Read: -“Who Represents Somalia?”- www.filmannex.com/posts/blog_show_post/who-represents-somalia-is-roadmap-answer-by-ambassador-mo/42334 “The Secretary-General looks forward to full and timely implementation of the commitments made,” the statement stressed, adding that the United Nations is ready “to provide comprehensive support for their implementation.” I’m not as optimistic for at least 3 reasons:  The Al-Shabaab continue to be formidable military and political force who have not joined the process;  More critically, failure to incorporate considerations related to Somalia and Somali minorities in region, particularly, Ogaden within borders of Ethiopia will persist as points of instability as well as discontent.  Regional despotic regimes, including the intolerance of Ethiopia and Uganda and conflict in Horn of Africa will be a hurdle toward lasting peace as well as economic/political progress. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey – Follow @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX