24/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Union called, on Tuesday 23 March, for the immediate holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Somalia, which were originally scheduled to take place before 8 February (see EUROPE 12654/10). “Somali leaders need to find a compromise leading to an immediate electoral process and a peaceful transfer of power, through the implementation of the September 17 agreement”, said the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU27. He added: “the current lack of agreement seriously delays the pace of urgently needed reforms, to the detriment of Somali citizens. When individual priorities prevail over the general interest of the country, political leaders discredit themselves in representing their citizens. Those who undermine the dialogue or resort to the use of violence will be exposed to measures and will face the consequences of their actions ”, Mr Borrell warned. (AN)