Speaking at the conference the Presudent urged all Somalia to be willing to put aside self-interest in the interest of national good, and urged a political compromise.

"Somalia is no longer a failed state. Somalia is building a strong foundation to support a better future. We are determined to resolve our differences through dialogue, and that's why we have established the leaders' forum to discuss our national issues like this crucial event aimed at deciding our electoral process for 2016."

The President has urged the nation to not fall victim to the fear and the mistrust created by the civil war, but stressed that unity, inclusiveness and tolerance are the most important principles for Somalia moving forward.

"We are confident that this meeting will result in a good result in helping to determine the 2016 electoral process. The new Somalia we are founding will be based on democracy, maintaining stability and ensuring peace. There is nothing to fear in the future. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the international community for their important role in helping Somalia to recover and rebuild,” the President said.

The National Consultative Conference brought together the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharma'arke, the presidents of the regional states of Puntland- Abdiweli Mohamed Gas, Galmudug- Abdikarim Hussein Guled, Jubba- Ahmed Mohamed Islam and South West Somalia- Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden.

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Daud Aweis