more stability in somalia...
By correspondents in Khartoum September 05, 2006 08:26am
SOMALIA'S powerful Islamic movement and weak government signed an interim peace accord late today that calls for the formation of a unified national army and police force, officials said.
The four point agreement reached after three days of Arab League-mediated talks commits the two sides to respecting a previous June 22 mutual recognition and truce pact and not to seek military aid from neighbouring states, they said.
The Government and the Islamists also agreed to begin talks on power-sharing on October 30, at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as an extension of the deal, intended to prevent the lawless nation from plunging further into chaos.
The main point of the accord, the fourth, says the two side have "agreed to the formation of a Somali national army and police force by integrating Islamic militia, the transitional Federal Government and other local militia".
"I am delighted by the signing of this agreement that will pave the way for the pacification of Somalia,", said Ibrahim Hassan Addow, the chief of the Islamist delegation.
"As the Islamic courts, we will implement this agreement that has been made here in Khartoum and we call upon the government to do the same," he said at a signing ceremony in Khartoum.
The deputy prime minister of Somalia's transitional government, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, signed on behalf of the largely powerless administration whose limited authority has been severely tested by the rise of the Islamists.
"The Somali people are tired of war," he said.
"They no longer want to see a continuation of factional fighting. The time to make peace has come and we will not hesitate to take all opportunities to ensure our country is peaceful."
The signing, at a Khartoum hotel, was witnessed by Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol and Arab League representative Abdul Halima.
In addition to the agreement on the new armed forces, the accord sets out three points to which the sides will adhere, including continued implementation of the June 22 accords, which they have each accused the other of violating.
Those charges have stemmed from the alleged presence in Somalia of troops from neighbouring Ethiopia and its arch-foe Eritrea, with Addis Ababa in support of the government and Asmara backing the Islamists.
The accord says the Islamists and the Government will "co-exist peacefully with neighbouring countries and ask regional states to respect the territorial integrity of Somalia". ------------------------
Must be good for Range..
Elimbah
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