The European Union has called on Somali leaders to step up efforts to wards ending the transition which will bring with it the prospect of lasting peace, prosperity and stability for the country.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton who visited Mogadishu on Monday told the Somali leadership including members of the new Federal Parliament, AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Commander and the UN Secretary General Special Representative for Somalia that it was is essential the transition is completed swiftly.

"The ending of Somalia's transition will bring with it the prospect of lasting peace, prosperity and stability for the country and for the millions of people who have suffered from 20 years of conflict. It is an occasion the EU warmly welcomes," she said according to a statement issued in Nairobi on Tuesday after her visit.

The Horn of Africa nation has been undergoing a peace and national reconciliation process, with the country's transitional federal institutions implementing a so-called Roadmap for the End of Transition.

The measures to end the transition included the drafting of a new Provisional Constitution, and the selection of the Members of Parliament by a group of 135 traditional Somali Elders, with the advice of a Technical Selection Committee.

The inauguration last week of a New Federal Parliament marked the long-awaited end of the transitional period in the Horn of Africa nation.

Ashton said the new Federal Parliament must finalise the process as soon as possible, to fulfill the aspirations of all Somalis, adding that new institutions must then immediately embark on efforts towards stabilisation in all accessible areas in the country.

"I urge Somali leaders to act swiftly, decisively with integrity and in the interests of the Somali people. We look forward to the new Government's work plan, and underline the urgent need for a mechanism to guarantee the sound use of financial resources," Ashton said.

The EU is the biggest donor to Somalia having committed over 1 billion Euros for the period 2008 to 2013 through a comprehensive approach including security support, development assistance and humanitarian aid.

Out of it, 500 million euros have been invested for development aid through the European Development Fund (EDF), in order to support effective governance, rule of law, education and stimulating economic development.

Ashton who arrived in Kenya on Sunday and is due to meet Kenyan leaders on Tuesday said the Mogadishu visit underlines the EU's commitment to contributing to better governance, development and security as Somalia ends its 8-year transition period.

"This is crucial to the future of a viable federal Somalia. The people of Somalia must be assured of good governance, transparency, accountability, justice and respect for their rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of worship," she said.

"Above all, the new Federal Institutions must reach out to Somalis of all walks of life, to achieve reconciliation and development after more than twenty years of conflict."

The Transitional Federal Government was formed in 2004 with a 5- year mandate to establish a new constitutional order with all groups represented.

The mandate was extended in 2009 to Aug. 20 when the mandate of the President, the Speaker and his deputies comes to an end.



At least 24 are contesting Somalia's first post-transition president who, once elected, next month will then choose the PM.

However, many candidates gunning for the presidency including PM Abdiweli Mohammed Ali, parliament speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden and current president Shariff Ahmed have already served in a government that has been accused of abetting corruption

Ashton assured the Somali people of the EU's continued support, including support for the AU in its mission to create the necessary conditions for the development of Somali security forces, and with EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement through the EU Training Mission (EUTM), Naval Force (EUAVFOR) and its new capacity building mission.