Puntland says it has withdrawn from the country's federal system and will govern itself independently.

Puntland 'breaks away' over Somalia law changes

By REUTERS More by this AuthorSomalia's semi-autonomous state of Puntland says it has withdrawn from the country's federal system and will govern itself independently until constitutional amendments passed by the central government are approved in a nationwide referendum.
The federal parliament in Mogadishu on Saturday approved several constitutional changes that the government says are necessary to establish a stable political system.
Critics say the changes, which include introducing direct presidential elections and allowing the president to appoint a prime minister without parliamentary approval, concentrate power in the hands of the executive.
"Puntland will act independently until there is a federal government with a constitution that is agreed upon by a referendum in which Puntland takes part," the state's council of ministers said in a statement dated March 31.
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