PRESS RELEASE
Thanks to the Perigeo International onlus, in the Puntalnd State
University Somali-Italian relations reborn
Thanks to the Perigeo International onlus, in the Puntalnd State
University Somali-Italian relations reborn
Galkayo (Puntland State of Somalia)
The political and cultural Authorities of Puntland State of Somalia and the Italian Organization Perigeo International signed on the 13th of May 2010 an historic agreement in the Somali Studies Center of Puntland State University - Galkayo Compus.
For the first time in history of Puntland, relations between Italy and Somalia have been recovered and a new office was born and started the first “Nucleo of a Ethnographic Museum to safeguard the Somali Cultural Heritage”. Laura Bacalini, projects manager and Gianluca Frinchillucci, Director of Perigeo International took part in the Italian mission to Somalia.
“A deep and strong relationship between Italy and Somalia based on historical ties was already existing in the past. We think, as you should also think that Italy and Somalia are friend countries and the friends indeed help their friends in need” as declared by the Vice-president of the Puntland, Abdisamed Ali Shire.
The Puntland Parliament Speaker, Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, quotes “The broken heart of Somalis can be cured by the rebirth of the inter-relation office among our two populations and our two Countries”.
Hussein Abukar (Somali representative of Perigeo International) declares his will to see the Puntland being in close relationship with Italy and with the rest of the world through cultural and social ties, as well as with Italians and worldwide centers, thanks to the Perigeo International.
Museums without borders is the title of the Perigeo project carried on in Somalia, which is already active in different parts of the world like Kofale city in Ethiopia (Oromya Region), and with other three museums which are currently at the implementation phase in three other areas of the Country.
“Museums as bridges of peace between peoples and cultures, little Peacemaking operations. To recover and safeguard the cultural heritage is of primary importance for the future of a population”, as declared by Dr. Gianluca Frinchillucci, conceiver of the Project.
The idea has been promoted by Prof. Mohamed Jama, Rector of the Puntland
State University of Galkayo: “After many years of lack from the Somali scene, it is offered
to Italy the opportunity to contribute, together with other Nations, to the Somali
reconstruction; contribution which can determine an important role for the revival of the
historical ties and relationships between this two Countries. That’s why I thank the Perigeo
Association for this very important effort”.
Puntland is a reality that Italy and the whole Europe can not ignore and that is often unclearly described by the international media, giving the impression of a total lack of political power presence. Indeed this political power is present at many administrations levels, that take care of both social and political affair and does not want to separate Somalia but proposes a federal model for the well being of the whole Country.
“The health sector in Puntland needs absolutely urgent help by the international community. There is a doctor every 40.000 inhabitants and the IDP (Internal Displaced People) Refugee Camps start to become a real problem. We need doctors and medical staff”, this declaration is made by Abdullahi Warsame, Minister of health, to the Perigeo.
“We believe that hope will be born again in Puntland for the whole Somalia – as
declared by Laura Bacalini - and we in particular, as Italians, have the moral duty to help
and sustain developments and peace projects here”.
