We do not recognise Somaliland as an independent state, neither does the rest of the international community. The UK has signed up to a common EU position and to many UN Security Council Presidential Statements, which refer to the territorial integrity and unity of Somalia. Nevertheless, the UK is aware of the position of the Somaliland authorities and of opinion within Somaliland. We hope that Somaliland will engage in early dialogue with the Transitional Federal Authorities in Somalia and that a mutually acceptable solution for their future relationship can be agreed. We readily acknowledge Somaliland’s achievements over the last decade and continue to support progress and stability in Somaliland.