Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)
16 August 2008
Djibouti — UN-backed talks have opened in Djibouti on saturday in a bid to end the civil conflict that has raged in Somalia for nearly two decades.
The talks on Saturday are aimed at bringing Somali government officials and exiled opposition leaders into direct dialogue in a push for peace.
Ahmed Ould Abdallah, the UN special envoy to Somalia, said: "I have been extremely encouraged by the progress made so far and the huge support we have received from Somalis inside and outside the country."
"This will be a wonderful opportunity for the Somali leaders to demonstrate to the international community their strong commitment and determination to restore peace and stability to Somalia."
"The Islamic Courts' Union, and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, their allies, demand the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.
A first round of discussions on May the two sides jointly agreed different articles including the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops from Somalia within 120 days, but the move was seen as a breakthrough in efforts to end a conflict which has seen at least 6,000 civilians die in fighting over the past year, according to international rights groups and aid agencies.
It also urged Somali factions that have so far shunned the process to participate in the negotiations.
While some Islamist leaders and influential clan leaders have joined the discussions, other Islamist opposition leaders claim the mediation was biased and continued to demand an Ethiopian withdrawal before talks can start.
The talks are taking place despite continued violence in Somalia, on friday Witnesses that Ethiopian troops killed up to 65 civilians near Somali capital later on Friday.
Somalia has not had functioning government since 1991 after dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted from power by tribal militias.
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