Sudan to mediate between US, Somali Islamists – report

June 11, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese government will undertake mediation between the US administration and Union of the Somali Islamic Courts, who seized Mogadishu from an alliance of warlords.

Khartoum based Al-Ray Alaam reported that contacts were established and followed by two days meetings in a neighbouring country between a Sudanese top responsible and two American officials.

Sudanese reliable sources said the Sudanese Security service chief Salah Gosh is personally follow this file.

The US officials showed concern over the possible links of Somali Islamists with al-Quaida, they also said Islamist must respect all UN resolutions relating to terrorism and not provide support or harbour any terrorist group.

Sudanese government and particularly the ruling National Congress party offers often such service to the US administration to promote a moderate image of the Sudanese Islamist ruling party.

Sudanese Islamist leadership maintains good relations with the Islamist leaders in the different countries of the Horn of Africa.

The Islamist victory in Mogadishu has prompted Washington to call for an international meeting with officials from the United Nations, European and African countries to discuss strategy on the state of 10 million people.

(ST)