Puntland regional state has dispelled Somaliland’s remarks of an ongoing dialogue between the two states.
Dozens of combatants from both sides were killed and hundreds of residents following fierce battle between Puntland and Somaliland forces mid last month in Tukaraq village.
Speaking to the media, Puntland Spokesperson, Abdullahi Jama’a said Puntland did not engage in talks with Somali authorities.
“We never engaged in dialogue with Somaliland authorities over Sool region. There is no way we talk to Somaliland over territories,” said Jama’a.
He noted that Puntland would hold talks with Somaliland authorities only after seizing the Las-Anod town.
“We Can hold talks with Hargeisa over neighbourhood status after we liberate Las-Anod town. Las-Anod is Puntland and Puntland is Las-Anod,” he vowed.
The remarks of the spokesman come after Somaliland Foreign Minister, Sa’ad Ali Shire said Authorities of Puntland and Somaliland States are engaging in talks to cease the hostility in Sool region.
“We are in dialogue with Puntland authorities to resolve the the difference between the sides and soon there will be an agreement,” said Shire.
Both Puntland and Somaliland have been in a contest over Sool and Sanag regions with each side claiming the control.
The fighting between Somaliland and Puntland erupted outside the village of Tukaraq.
It lies between the main towns of Las Anod in the breakaway Somaliland state and self-declared republic – and Garowe in Puntland state.
Territorial disputes in the region go back to the colonial era when Britain colonized Somaliland and Italy colonized the rest of Somalia.
The people in Sool region are represented in both the Somaliland and Puntland administrations.
Somaliland announced its secession from the rest of Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as an independent state.
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