A long-time campaigner for national self-determination, Kidderminster MEP James Carver took part in Somaliland’s 27th anniversary of independence this week.
He traveled to the small African nation’s capital, Hargeisa, as a guest of vice president Abdirahman Saylici where he attended a celebratory parade and had informal talks with government leaders.
Mr. Carver, Kidderminster-based UKIP MEP for the West Midlands, who has visited Somaliland on three previous occasions, is a staunch supporter of its bid to be internationally recognized as an independent country again.
He said: “All peoples have the right to self-determination. Given the historical injustices suffered by Somalilanders, the preservation of this right is all the more important.
“I have long been a supporter of Somaliland re-recognition. The massive loss of life suffered during the civil war within Somalia means that no Somalilander could ever contemplate placing the lives of his family, friends, and countrymen in the hands of a potentially hostile neighbor.
“For Somaliland to prosper, both economically and politically, it is imperative that the international community recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty.
“It is my hope that in turn, this would lead to even greater prosperity and freedom across the Horn of Africa.”
Though not internationally recognized, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions, a police force, and its own currency.
About James Carver MEP
James Bruce Carver (born 15 August 1969) is an independent Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands region. He was elected in 2014 for the UK Independence Party, second on the list for the region, being elected together with Jill Seymour and Bill Etheridge. He resigned from UKIP on 28 May 2018, stating that he had become “out of kilter” with the party.
Among the topics Carver has raised are:
- EU expansionism and military confrontation
- Economic issues and hardships arising from the Eurozone
- The role of the EU operating outside of international law either at home and abroad
He also supports:
- Fostering better understanding of the gypsy communities and how to integrate with mainstream society
- The banning of legal highs
- Recognition of Somaliland
- Addressing the rise of Islamist extremism in the Middle East and Europe
Carver is critical of EU’s policy in Israel, claiming that its actions do not comply with the founding treaties of the EU. He says structures built by the EU in a number of Beduin encampments outside Ma’aleh Adumim and on the Jerusalem-Jericho road bearing the EU logo are disrespectful of the rule of law: “EU member states would not allow such behavior within their own borders, nor would the EU endorse or find it anywhere within the European Union.”
On 28 May 2018, Carver resigned from UKIP to sit as an independent MEP
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