U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
July 25, 2012

STATEMENT BY VICTORIA NULAND, SPOKESPERSON

Convening of Somalia's National Constituent Assembly

The United States welcomes today’s convening of Somalia’s National Constituent Assembly (NCA). The NCA will meet for nine days to review and vote on a draft Provisional Constitution that will serve as Somalia’s legal framework until future adoption of a permanent constitution by national referendum.

The launch of the NCA is a key milestone in completing the political transition in Somalia. The major next step is for Somalia’s traditional elders to select a new parliament that will in turn elect a speaker of parliament and president. We urge that these remaining tasks be completed quickly and transparently so that the transition ends on schedule August 20, and Somalia is able to usher in a new era of governance that is more responsive, representative, and accountable.