Top United Nations envoy for Somalia on Tuesday lauded the work of the high level committee which is currently meeting in neighboring Djibouti to discuss ways of expanding parliament and formation of unity government.

A statement from UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, said the High Level Committee, comprising delegates from the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance (ARS) for the Re-Liberation of Somalia is working to ensure that there is a far process in the expanding the Parliament and forming a Government of National Unity.

"This is a key moment for Somalia and it is extremely important to get it right, after almost two decades of violence," said Ould- Abdallah in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"The Committee members are working responsibly to ensure there is a fair process which should lead to the election of a new Head of State. We hope that this new leader will be able to attend the forthcoming IGAD meeting and the African Union Summit."

Last October the TFG and ARS agreed on the outline of forming a Government of National Unity and enlarging the Parliament and the principles were endorsed by the Transitional Federal Parliament.

"I will be in Djibouti shortly to discuss the final arrangements with all Somali delegates, leaders and their friends, " said Ould-Abdallah.

"I would like to thank the TFG, ARS and all Somalis for their patience at this critical time. This is a delicate process. All participants are confident that it will succeed and help bring more stability to Somalia," he said.

The development came as Ethiopian forces completed pulling out of the Horn of Africa nation, two years after they intervened to try to oust Islamists from the capital Mogadishu.

But their mission to prop up the interim government is widely regarded as a failure as various Islamist groups have recently advanced and once more control much of the country.

"As always, I would like to recognize the positive role of the IGAD Chair, Secretariat and member states and that of the African Union and the development partners of Somalia in the current progress towards stability in Somalia. I also would like to thank the Djibouti Government for its continuing hospitality and support. "

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2009)