A Somali presidential spokesman says the country’s Nairobi-based parliament will begin debating a five-year agenda for Somalia on Thursday. Yusuf Mohammed Ismail says the proposals, which were drawn up by a commission appointed by the parliament, include ideas for demobilization of militias and the redevelopment of the country. The parliament will also consider the plans for relocating the government to Somalia.
Presidential spokesman Yusuf Mohammed Ismail told VOA reporter William Eagle that two commissions are expected to go with international agencies to the hardest hit area of Somalia – Puntland – on Friday. One commission was appointed by the national parliament, the other by the government of Puntland. The two groups are expected to present their findings to federal and local officials next week