Somalia gov´t meets faction leader in Mogadishu

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-31-2006 09:28

Somalia's president and prime minister have toured the suburbs of Mogadishu. This, as Somali and Ethiopian forces close in on the last stronghold of Islamic rebel forces. They were seeking to ensure a smooth takeover of the capital.

President Abdullahi Yusuf and Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi held talks with faction leaders and elders on Saturday in Afgoye on the outskirts of Mogadishu. The city was abandoned two days ago by Islamic militant fighters.

Gedi said he wanted to take the city peacefully.

Ali Mohamed Gedi, Somalia Prime Minister, said, "Nobody can try now to start sparking the fighting in Mogadishu. The The people are fed up, they need peace and stability and services,"

The advance by the pro-government forces marks a major turnaround in the conflict, which until a few days ago saw the Islamic Courts in control of much of southern Somalia.

In the last 10 days, the Islamic fighters have been forced from the capital as well as other key towns as Ethiopian led forces advance.

The executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, has pledged to continue to fight. He made the comment as several thousand Somali and Ethiopian troops were closing in on the southern port of Kismayo, the last remaining Islamic stronghold.

Editor:Du Xiaodan