The much-awaited EL Wak peace initiative has BEGUN without Barre Hirrale’s presence. September 12, 2005 by Gur Gharri GSG  News Contributor

 The EL Wak peace conference has finally began today after four days of stiff resistance and demands by the Gharri and relentless mediation by the Kenyan government officials.

The main obstacle or difficult question to be discussed is who does EL Waq belong to? since the issues of land ownership is so volatile, the Marehans delegates are not comfortable to even mention the word land be discussed as condition to achieving peace. Therefore, it is believed that there will not be that much progress expected to come out of this first day meeting.

Our reporter has said that the Marehan Ugass has already hinted that the disputed land does not have any ownership. He said that the land is created by the almighty and it should not have ownership. Therefore, the land issues should be stricken from the peace agenda. So, we will let you know as the latest information becomes available.