SOMALIA: Consensus emerging on federal charter, says talks mediator
NAIROBI, 12 MAY 2003(IRIN)--The Kenyan mediator to the Somali peace talks says a consensus is emerging on the controversial issue of a federal charter.

Ambassador Bethwel Kiplagat said the conference would soon receive a set of recommendations to pave the way for setting up new transitional institutions in Somalia.

"The main document will be the charter," Kiplagat told IRIN. He said there was a "convergence of opinion" towards the charter, noting there was basic agreement on a federal system of government.

"Secondly, there will be a parliament created here in Nairobi, and this will be based on the 4.5 formula, the clan formula," he added. "So we are now working on the details." MORE