Somali PM says Libya supports Islamists

Sept 13, 2006 (MOGADISHU) — The prime minister of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia Ali Mohammed Gedi, has again accused Libya of helping the Islamic courts which are in control of Mogadishu and southern Somalia.

The prime minister said the Libyan administration was blatantly interfering in the internal affairs of Somalia, by providing arms, ammunition and cash to sabotage the legitimate federal government.

Gedi said Libya was being assisted in this undertaking by some Arab states which are also assisting the courts to the detriment of Somalia and the recent agreement between the government and the Islamic courts, the Somali Codka Xoriyadda reported.

This is the second time that the prime minister has accused Libya, having previously accused Egypt, Eritrea and Iran of assisting the courts, which he had described as Somali terrorists.

This matter comes at a time when the relation between Libya and the Baydhabo-based government is at its lowest ebb following the Somalia government’s failure to accept a Libyan invitation to attend the 7th African Union summit.

(ST)