On Monday, October
6, 2003, Organized by Vision View, Inc., and the Somaliland Policy
and Reconstruction Institute (SOPRI) and sponsored by U.S. Pacific
Development Group and U.N. Peace International Foundation, a
ceremonial luncheon seminar for the Recognition and Reconstruction
of Somaliland was held at Oxford Plaza, Korea Town of Los Angeles
City.
As the delegate arrived, they were given full royal welcome. Most
local Asia news agencies were also present. The luncheon ceremony
was televised live by Korean midday (noon) time news. John Choi, an
old friend of Somaliland community and one of the organizers opened
the event followed by Award Presentation by Former State of
California Lieutenant Governor and Congressman and now an
Assemblyman, Mr. Mervyn Dymally. Mr. Dymally, a man who is very
knowledgeable about Somaliland, gave a brief and informative speech
about Somaliland. He
stated that as young man, he studied Somaliland history while it was
still under British Colony. He stated that Somaliland's current
international political isolation is unacceptable, and their voice
and choice should be respected. Mr. Dymally presented an Award to
both Mohammed Hashi and Adna Adan. This was a certificate of
recognition by the California State Assembly, in honoring and
appreciation of their services and dedication.
Dr. Hong B. Rhee, member of the Korean Community gave very good and
well presented overview Somaliland History. Dr. Rhee stated that he
came to know the Somaliland History while he was conducting a
research at a University of Pennsylvania. He continues his speech by
adding that the more he read the deeper his interest grew which kept
him perusing.
Mohammed Hashi Elmi, Somaliland Minister of Commerce and Industry,
presented to the participant the opportunity that exists in
Somaliland. He spoke about Somaliland position and policy in regard
of international investors. He described many available precious
stones and other natural resources that have been discovered so far
of which are commercially available quantities. Adna Adan Ismail,
the Foreign minister also gave a speech about Somaliland political
status. She showed slides and overhead projector pictures in
chronological order starting from the time of British Administration
through current stage of Somaliland history.
Dr. Kaz Demille Jacobsen, who produced many movies and TV shows, won
three AME awards, served in a minister in the New Zealand
government, worked with UN for many years, found two non profit
organization, of which one of them has subsidiary organizations also
spoke on this occasion. Dr. K. Jacobsen was one of the only two
survivals of 9/11 at North Tower. She was in her office located on
9th floor of the North tower when the plane hit the building. She
lost four clients and 17 staff members as well colleagues. Dr. K.
Jacobsen expressed satisfaction of what the two Ministers and Dr.
Rhee presented on that day. She praised the Somaliland people for
their hard work, adding that they will be rewarded sooner for what
they deserve.
Cutting a cake to represent the new friendship between the Korean
Community and Somaliland people concluded this great day.
Representative of the different parties involved here were:
The Korean Community was represented by: Mr. John Choi, Mr. Sang Y.
Lee, and Mr. Samuel You.
The Somaliland Government: Mohamed Hashi and Adna Adan
3 And SOPRI was represented by; Abdirahman Mohammed Abusite, Hassan
Mogeh Hirsi and Bonita Earl.
Source: Radio
Somaliland
Xigasho:http://www.sirag.org.uk/slrecognitionvisitkoreaLA.htm
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