United Nations Radio

The UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah(photo), has welcomed the latest progress in the reconciliation talks on Somalia.

In the latest round of talks in Djibouti, the transitional government and the opposition Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia are reported to have agreed on matters of power-sharing in government, justice administration and security.

Ould-Abdallah said today's agreement "is very encouraging because it advances the commitment made by both sides to form an inclusive parliament and unity Government."

The deal creates 75 additional seats in parliament and promotes the participation of civil society, including women, business leaders and Somalis abroad in the reconciliation process.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

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