Somali sovereignty

The Islamic Courts Union has vowed to drive out Ethiopian troops that are providing military support to Somalia’s UN-backed government.  Ibrahim Hassan Adow, the group’s foreign affairs chief, said the courts will not negotiate with the government because the administration is the “puppet of another foreign country”. He also denounced the US, saying Washington should be calling on Ethiopia to withdraw its troops. Ali Mohamed Gedi, the Somali prime minister, has vowed that his government will “defend the people it is responsible for and Somali sovereignty” and said the Islamic Courts fighters should return to negotiations.  Several rounds of talks, mediated by the Arab League, have failed to produce any lasting effect. “They will be responsible for any consequences that may result from rejecting our call,” Gedi said. 

~ by magdaali on March 7, 2007.