Time running out for Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Time is running out for Somali leaders to complete issues meant to end the interim period for the transitional government, a U.N. official said.

The interim administration in Somali last year agreed on a series of measures meant to end the transitional period. There hasn't been a central government in Somalia since 1991 and the mandate for the transitional government ends Aug. 20.

Augustine Mahiga, U.N. special envoy to Somalia, said all parties involved in political negotiations in the country need to focus their energy on completing their mission.

"Time is pressing," he said in a statement. "The process cannot afford any more delays."

Somali leaders are tasked with completing administrative duties and vetting members for the 275-seat Parliament. Mahiga said last week that Somali leadership positions shouldn't be awarded to the highest bidder.

Elders in Mogadishu agreed to the terms of a provisional constitution, though U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that effort "is not the end of the process."