Somalis will 'all be united'
2007-03-14 14:05
Nairobi - Somalia's prime minister said on Wednesday that insurgents battling his government are backed by international terrorists, but that a reconciliation conference planned for next April 16 will unite all Somalis.
Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, speaking to reporters in neighbouring Kenya, appealed to international donors to provide financial support for the conference, which will bring together representatives from all of Somalia's clan and subclans.
He said that moderate Islamic leaders, who were part of radical movement that took control of Mogadishu for six months last year, could participate in the reconciliation process, but that they would have to work through their clans.
Gedi's government, the 14th attempt to restore a central government to Somalia since 1992, was created along clan lines, not politics.
Key leaders from the rival Council of Islamic Courts have rejected Gedi's secular, clan-based government. Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the former council leader, has offered to hold talks with Gedi, but has insisted on meeting as equals.
Insurgents have launched almost daily attacks against government forces and offices in Mogadishu since Ethiopian troops drove out the Islamic forces in December.
Ethiopian troops, who continue to protect the government, often retaliate with artillery fire that leaves numerous civilian casualties.
Gedi said on Wednesday he was deploying 4 000 Somali security forces in Mogadishu to fight the insurgents. He said they were led by radical elements of the Islamic courts and had ties to international terrorists, but declined to be more specific.
- AP