Fighters loyal to Somalia’s al Shabaab on Monday detained at least 12 people, mainly women, they accused of committing deeds against Islam. clearpxl Al Shabaab accused the people of making sacrifices by slaughtering livestock to mark the the deaths of their parents. Witnesses said the people were detained after the militants conducted search operations in the port of Barawe, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Mogadishu. “While I was at a street near my neighborhood, I saw more fighters of al Shabaab having seized 12 people, nine of them were women; I was told they had been captured while doing sacrifices for their dead parents, that Somalis traditionally do to send prayers and asked Allah to forgive their parents,” an eyewitness told the local media, requesting his name not be used for security reasons. He said that the group has already banned other items, including the sale and consumption of khat inside the towns they control and the playing of football. Ahlu Sunna Waljama clerics, who brought to Islam to Somalia allow sacrifices in order to ask Allah to forgive the sins of ancestors. Al Shabaab, which believes in the Wahabi doctrine, developed new habits and actions Somali people don’t know in the last three or four years. In towns under control of the extremist group, such as Kismayo, parts of Mogadishu, Marka and other villages in southern and central parts of the country, many grave sites have been destroyed. Al Shabaab argues it wants to rid Somalia of anything that does not fit with its strict version of Islam, but that ideology has put it on a collision course with Sufi fighters. The moderate Ahlu Sunna was provoked to take up arms against al Shabaab when the militant group began digging up and destroying the remains of Somalia's cleric scholars.

London2010;722480 wrote: Thank you Caydarus. Excellent post. London2010 thank you, al-shabaab oon laga qabanin somaaliya maha gaagayso. somaliduna waa in ay katashataa walaale.

Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, top Al-Shabaab militia's commander confirmed that his group is using underage children in their fight against Somali Transitional Government. "We recruit underage children to fight for us, the children are ready to die for their country and religion" said Sheikh Aweys while addressing people in a mosque at Elasha Biyaha camps in outskirt of Mogadishu, the restive capital of Somalia. He adds they will continue recruiting underage children to fight against Somali government forces and African Union troops Somali child soldiers (file photo). "There was an incident where 13 year fighter shocked when he heard the loud sounds of the artillery while he was fighting and he said the fighting is terrible but the Jihad is sweet and later he was dead in the clashes," said Aweys. Human Right Agencies alleged Somali Islamic militants force hundreds of children to serve as soldiers in Somalia, and the international community called on the Somali Islamist not to use children in the fighting. Somali radical Islamist insurgents are well-known turning children of soccer to fighters, but Aweys is the first commander, who assured that his group use underage children as fighters. Aweys was former leader of Hizbul Islam militias before they joined Al-Shabaab radical militants late last year. Al-Shabaab, is fighting to overthrow the Somali government backed by African Union troops to control the country and set up what they call a strict Islamic state. The militias are now lossing.

http://www.somaliareport.com/images_medium/School_Children_in_Lower_Shabelle.jpg[/img Al-Shabaab Orders Kids to Jihad In the meantime, Somalia's Islamist group, al-Shabaab, ordered students in Kismayo City to stop their studies and join their fight against pro-government forces including Ras Kamboni troops in Lower Jubba, in southern Somalia. The governor of al-Shabaab in Kismayo, Sheikh Hassan Yacqub, speaking with thousands people shouting 'Sbartibo Vekiyo' said that the time has come in time in the students lives when they must the take weapons and fight with what he called “Somali enemy”. "The students must obey the rules from the Kismayo Administration and go to the frontlines otherwise the administration will take a Islamic steps," says Sheikh Hasan Yacqb." A parent in Kismayo told Somalia Report that they are very concerned about the actions of al-Shabaab. If the militants insist on recruiting the youth parents are concerned about the future generations in the port town, they say.

5 young men aged between 10 to 15 years old and surrendered to AMISOM and the TFG soldiers in the frontlines. The spokesman said that they had dealt those children with good manner calling for the other young fighting for al-shabab to surrender and join to AMISOM and the transitional government of Somalia. The young militias had also talked to the journalists in the spot where they had been displayed saying that they decided to join the AMISOM and Government troops as they stuck in the frontlines of the fighting indicting that they could continue firing bullets to the government and AMISOM troops. They said they were from some of the regions in southern Somalia like; Lower Shabelle, Lower Jubba, Gedo and other regions. It is not the first time al-shabab militias surrender to the forces of the transitional government and the African Union troops AMISOM and there is no comment from Al-shabab militias so far.

al-shabaab has started aggressively recruiting children in elasha biyaha, 14km north east of mogadishu.

The 7/11 bombings in Kampala have generated a huge debate in the media and social networking sites, with reference to Islam and terrorism. People are asking whether Islam teaches terrorism or not. Of course, Islam does not teach terrorism nor does it support the killing of innocent people. I believe it’s healthy to have debates of this nature, because they will help educate both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, about Islam as a religion and its stand on terrorism. Unfortunately, some people engaging in these debates are largely informed by prejudice which is not good for learning, or even co-existence. I have also sadly learnt that our local media, think tanks, and government have continuously used the word “Islamists” whenever they refer to the Harakat al Shabaab Mujahedeen fighters. It’s wrong to continue referring to al Shabaab as “Islamist” fighters because what they are doing is unacceptable by the teachings of the Islamic faith. And if you looked up in the English dictionary, the term “Islamist” refers to those people who adhere to strict Islamic teachings. Islam teaches us NOT to kill or even inflict harm on another human being, yet al Shabaab does the opposite. Let’s look at the formal name of al Shabaab, which is Harakat al Shabaab Mujahedeen, meaning Movement of Warrior Youth (MWY). There is nothing Islamic about this name. In my opinion, al Shabaab is a political movement trying to attain its goal by tarnishing the good name and image of Islam. As Muslims, we strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Kampala, which caused the death and injury of several people. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families, relatives and friends of the victims. Ugandans should know there is no room for terrorism in Islam. Islam totally forbids all forms of terrorism and aims at bringing peace, unity and love to humanity. Terrorism is an old practice, which should not be linked to any religion or ethnicity, because terrorism has been carried out in different parts of the world by different groups for a number of reasons. We have heard of a communist organisation, or even a fascist group, assuming responsibility for conducting a terrorist act. Many extreme political movements in the world today, make their voice heard the wrong way by using terror. At times they may conduct these ruthless activities so that their demands can be met. It’s also totally wrong to link Islam or tribes with terrorism. Linking an entire religion or tribe to terrorism could be viewed as a stereotype. In Uganda, Muslims and Christians have co-existed for a very long time. Some have even intermarried so I pray no one breaks this bond. Likewise, Somalis have lived in this country for a very long time without causing any trouble. So let’s not isolate Muslims and Somalis. Islam totally condemns all forms of terrorism or violence against humanity. Islam, as a divine religion, advocates peace and tolerance. According to the holy Koran, it is a great sin to kill an innocent soul, and whoever does so will suffer great torment in the hereafter. I pray the Almighty God heals those nursing both physical and psychological wounds.

Hargeysa the Mother of the Somali Terrorist group Al-Shabaab. Shabab leaders from Somaliland capital Hargeysa are mainly to blame for destroying Southern Somalia. As far as most Somalis are concerned, the people who are destroying Somalia are from The Break away republic Of Somaliland who wants to entertain international recognition. Perhaps the Southern Somalia’s woes and wars; are the efforts of people from Somaliland who want to achieve international recognition for Somaliland. There has been no time for political settlement in the south, rehabilitation or reconstruction. The- population from southern Somalia have scattered around the world and Most do not know where their loved ones are and whether they are still living or dead. They live in fear under a heavy Shabab military presence, led by Ahmed Abdi Godane, also known as Moktar Ali Zubeyr Godane the Amir of Shabab or the star of Hargeysa. Ahmed Abdi Ow Mohamud Godane was born in Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland in 1968. He is from Arab sub-clan of the **** clan. He received a scholarship to study in Pakistan funded by a Saudi blind millionaires. He used to visit Afghanistan during holidays to train with the Taliban. In 2001Godane returned to Hargeysa, Somaliland. He began preaching in Abu-Bashir mosque in central Hargeysa and recruited thousands of young men to fight in the south if Somaliland was to have any chance of recognition. Later Godane left Somaliland following an agreement with some well know Somaliland political leaders such as the current president Siilaanyo, Faysal Ali Warabe and others. The agreement was to infiltrate the Islamic courts in the South and to cause havoc and unrest until Somaliland is recognize. Ahmed Godane was given unlimited budget through Dahabshiil money transfer. When the Islamic Courts Union came to power in southern Somalia in 2006 Mr. Godane who gave himself the name ´Abu-Zubeyr emerged as the general secretary for the ICU. During the start of the war with Ethiopia late 2006, Godane was wounded and was flown to Sudan for medical treatment. He was brought back to southern Somalia in February 2007 where he continued his terror mission. Many Somalis believe that a rich businessman from Somaliland’s city of Burco is the financer of the war in the south (DAHABSHIIL). These men and many other Somali Landers in Shabab ranks are largely responsible for the instability of Southern Somalia and indiscriminate killing of civilians and for the destruction of Somalia. They should be brought to court to answer for the crimes they have committed. It’s worth noting that money transferred from the western countries is monitored however, the transactions within Somalia are not monitored, and any John Doe can transfer millions of dollars to anyone. When will the international community realize that Somaliland is ALSHABAB and ALSHABAB is SOMALILAND? Ahmed Godane is from Hargeysa. Dahabshiil is from Burco. Shiikh Ali Warsame, the Son-in-law of Hassan Dahir Aways is from Burco. I can conclude that since HARGEYSA is the mother of Terrorism then the city of BURCO must be the Father.

????

maxad u soo sawiriwaydey islii wasakh deedi sxb inti fiicneyd le soo qadatey.

Let me first start by saying I am NOT a fan of POLITICS! whether in Somalia or anyother place! Now, with that said, I hope to give you my point of view on THIS inshaAllah... I voted on "neither, both are bad for the Somalia" reason behind, BECAUSE NONE is ACTUALLY following Shari'ah. YES, AL-Shabaab claim to be for Shari'ah but we know the killlings they have committed! YET, using the Qur'an as if it's said in there! I think Al-shabab ARE disgrace NOT just to Somalia BUT to ISLAM as well! I find them DISGUSTING! I might seem angry to you with this words, and I guess I am a BIT angry! because of what I hear everyday, some people claiming to be "ISLAMIC" yet doing UNISLAMIC things! recently, I have read something about a RAPED girl been STONED to death! why, because they said she committed "ZINA" yea! DISGUSTING!!!! "tut,tut" how can they claim that!? HOW? it's shamefull for all of the Ummah! because they carry the name of "ISLAM"! Shariff is no better! I see him as a treator, was he not calling the FORMER government "Kufar lovers" was he not against the FORMER government when it brought the Eithopians to Somalia? was he NOT calling out for the so called "jihad" that killed THOUSANDS! I mean where is the mercy of this people!!! when are they ever gonna learn from their MISTAKES! I see all of them as "POWER HUNGRY!" they care NOTHING about except their "POWER"! how can ANYONE ever support SUCH ignorant PEOPLE! (no offense to you or anyone else here). But, it's FOOLISH of all of them to claim POWER! when they KILL inocent people NIGHT and DAY! and please, dont even get me thinking about Al-shabaab and their so called "mission to put sharia'ah in Somalia" I would tell them to EDUCATE themselves FIRST! NONE of them is EDUCATED enough! I am thinking of thise VIDEO, DISGUSTING! and I didn't watch the WHOLE thing but they were SLAUGHTERING a man, YES a HUMAN BEING LIKE A PIG! calling him "KUFAAR" when they see that HE IS ACTUALLY SOMALI! living in SOMALIA! and the WORST part, they READ Qur'an OVER him! DISGUSTING! may Allah help those who are been OPPRESSED by these MEN! I have said so many things, iam gonna stop now! because as I type I am getting ANGRIER! YA, Allah help your slaves! bring peace, and change our condition!ameen

Atom is a terrorist like al-shabaab and one day one time all terrorist groups will hunt the down, and who ever supports. una sikia Xaaji Xunjuf.

waxan jeclaanlaha in ad ra yigiina kadiibataan hadalkan uu jeedinaayo afhayeenka al-shabaab, kasoo ku aadan digniin uu udiraayo jbouti oo uu leeyahey ciidamo ha u soo dirina somalia. waxaa is waydiin mudan hadii wadamadi caawin lahaa somalia saas loo cab siiyo yaa umaqan dadkeene?

Sheekh Cali Dheere ayaa sheegay in ciidamada Mujaahidiinta ay weerar kala hortagi doonaan cid kasta oo weerar iyo duulaan ku soo qaada Mujaahidiinta iyo shacabka Muslimka ah ee Soomaaliyeed. “Shacabka jabuuti waxaan dhihi lahaa wiilashiina ha u soo dirina Somalia, yaysan idin qaldin gunada yar ee Mareykanka iyo gaalada ay siinayaan ciidankiina” ayuu yir Sheikh Cali Dheere, waxaana sidoo kale uu canaan u jeediyay madaxweynaha Jabuuti oo uu ku tilmaamay in uu yahay Camiil u adeega faransiiska iyo gaalada aduunka danahoodana u fuliya. Sheekh Cali dheere ayaa u sheegay shacabka Jabuuti in wiilashooda dhimasho iyo dhaawac badan ay kala kulmi doonaan Somalia, haddii aanay ku qasbin dowladda Jabuuti in mowqifkeeda ciidamo soo dirida ay ka laabato. Dowladda Jabuuti ayaa dhowaan shaaciyay in horaanta bisha Jun ay u soo diri doonta Somalia ilaa 2 batalyan oo ciidan ah kuwaasi oo kaqeyb qaadanaya dagaalka ciidamada shisheeye ee Amisom ay kula jiraan Mujaahidiinta. Arimahan oo idil ayaa ku soo beegmaya xilli dagaalka Muqdisho uu galay xaalad xasaasi islamarkaana maydadka ciidamada Kiristanka Amisom lagu jiid-jiiday wadooyinka Muqd

Somalina;719215 wrote: The original 13 SYL members Osman Gedi Rage Mohamed Farah Hilowle Mohamed Ali Nur Haji Mohamed Hussein Abdulqadir Saqawadin Dhere Hagi Dhere Hudow Moalim Abdullahi Mohamed Hirsi Nur Dahir Haji Osman Mohamed Osman Bardura Yasin Hagi Osman Ali Hassan Maslax Haji Mohamed Abdullahi i like this gentlemen may allah bless them, they make us proud! somalina keep it up walashey.

SYL waxay ka imaadeen somali hadana kuwo la mid ah way nagu jiraan lakiin waxa qasaya odayaal dhuuni qaatayaal ah, qabiilaysta yaal ah, oo wada daba ****** ah, marka walaalayaal yaan niyada la iska dilin waynu gaari doonaa dhafkeena insha allah.

Al Shabaab basically wants to gain CONTROL and RULE Somalia. We have seen tribe being used as a method to gain control in the country, now we see these group clinging onto Islam as a means to dominate the people. Using religion as a means to rule people, without having the proper knowledge of it, is very deadly things. And, we see that with the weird "sharia" imposed laws by Al Shabaab. No wonder, the first thing Allah Ta'aal has commanded Muslims to do is "READ" Iqra. And ironically, the first thing he created was the Pen. People always need a reason to justify their acts, to normalize their violence acts...Thus, Al Shabaab is using Islam as scapegoat.

I don't understand what Al-Shabab really want! Do they want to have the suffering of our people continue forever or they are up to a solution. I think they are missing the latter and they just want to have Somalis suffer everywhere on this earth. They don't have any mission of establishing a system of governance other than the rhetoric of rulin by Sharia. First of all, Sharia forbids sheding the blood of innocent people and urges you to reconcile with your Muslim brother first (if Alshabab believe every Somali who disagrees with them is not Muslim) then they are taking in the position of being Judge than being a system of Nation. Because a system of Nation does more than having each of it's member becoming Judges. It has more sophisticated system of governence like the judicial branch which handles the accountability of its members and holds them into known standards. For example those standards are very much defined in Islam and every Muslim government that rulled Muslims adared to those standards, but Al is missing that element and it has all its members handle any case regardless of its merrits. Simple fact is, this group should seize its claim onto Islam as over all and go to its roots of tribalism which has less damage and has a system that can deal with its memebers and external tribes. Branding guns and yelling a religious words won't make them Islamic, because their actions and intent is based on pure clanish motives period. Read the history of Al-itihad, Al-ictisam and now Al-shabab! We as Somalis deserve better than warlordism, and religion portrayed in pure personal interests. We need to stand up and say enough is enough! Our people suffered long enough and we should end this now and never let it happen again.

"Three people have been killed following heavy fighting" between forces of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and Al-Shabab militant group in southern border town of Doblai, reports privately-owned Radio Shabeelle website. The fighting begun after Al-Shabab militant group "attacked Da'as locality" in the outskirts of Doblai town. The two sides are reported to have "exchanged the various types of weapons", adds the source. The spokesman of Raas Kaambooni Islamist group, which a pro-government militia group operates in Lower Jubba Region. Abdinasir Serar, has told Radio Shabeelle that his government will soon "recapture areas" in the region from Al-Shabab Somali government has made progress in recent fighting against Al-Shabab Islamic Movement over control of southern, southwestern regions of Somalia for the past few months.

with my sincere and strong wish for reconciliation and peace in somalia and other parts of the world, to convey the message of Islam for peace and co-existence.We know that Islam is a religion of peace and mercy for all humankind. It respects the sacredness of life and inherent dignity of human existence, which is the foundation of all human rights without any distinction as to any body, . The religion teaches a fundamental principle that human beings were created into different nations and tribes that they might know each other based on human brotherhood.We believe that Islam promotes tolerance, moderation, and the unity of the human family based on truth and justice. It emphasizes universal brotherhood and solidarity not only among Muslims but also with peoples of different faiths. It also recognizes the need for harmony with nature and the environment.

The United States expresses its concern about the Transitional Federal Government’s (TFG) decision to prevent more than 40 Somali parliamentarians, including MPs who are American citizens, from leaving Mogadishu on May 9, 2011. According to accounts, several parliamentarians were threatened with weapons and at least three were physically assaulted by security personnel. The majority of the parliamentarians were en route to an elections workshop in Nairobi. Some parliamentarians were en route to a separate event in Ethiopia. Several others were departing on personal travel. The TFG reportedly blocked the parliamentarian’s travel because it opposed their participation in the workshop, which had been organized to discuss modalities for holding elections for the Parliamentary Speaker and TFG President later this year. This action follows other efforts by the TFG in recent weeks to stifle peaceful political discussion and to silence its critics. The United States reminds the TFG of the commitment it made to the United Nations Security Council to enhance reconciliation and complete the transitional tasks which include completing the constitutional process that will end the transitional period and bring sovereignty and legitimacy back to Somalia. so do you think the TFG is right what they are doing in the past view weeks?

MUQDISHO:- Xarakada Alshabaab al mujaahidiin ayaa la wareegay gacan ku heynta qeybo kamid ah Gobolka Gedo, gaar ahaan deegaanka Busaaro, waxaa deegaanka laga dareemayaa xaalad daganaansha ah oo aan cago adag ku taagneyn wararka ayaa intaa kudaraya in sibuuxda ay gacanta ugu hayaan ciidamada xarakada mujaahidiinta alshabaab Basuura . deegaanka Basuura ayaa u dhaxeeya Magaalooyinka Garbahaarey iyo B/xaawo. Mushrikiinta amaxaara kal kaal ah ayaa waxaa dhaxmaray dhowrjeer khilaaf sababay dagaal salka ku haya gacan ku heynta degaanadaas iyo qabyaalad, deegaanka basuura ayaa ka mid ahaa deegaano horey looga qabsaday xarakada mujaahidiinta alshabaab taas oo ay wacad ku mareen tan iyo inta ay dib ula wareegayaan in aysan joojineyn dagaalada ay ka wadaan gobolka gado. Waxaa warbixintaan goor sii horeysay warbaahinta u sheegay afhayeenka ciidamada ee Xarrakatul Shabaab Sheekh C/casiis Abuu-Muscab, xarakada al shabaab ayaa lagu wadaa in ay gacantooda ku soo laabato Magaalda Luuq iyo Ceel waaq saacadaha soo socda insha allah. maxay idinku inala tahey in ay xarakada al-shabaab dib u qabsankaraan Gedo iyo dhoobley? what is ur opinoin?

Azania iyo SSC are one and the same sxb iska ilali yeysan kaa hoos bixin bahasha; am talking to Saalax

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has partnered with Dahabshiil, the largest international money transfer company in Africa, to host the first ever Somali community event in Kenya. The event, themed ‘Now I Know’, saw high profile Kenyan and Somali artists and musicians celebrate stories of the Somali Diaspora living in Kenya. The aim was to promote Somali culture and to educate other communities about the struggles and triumphs of Somali immigrants in Kenya. Roberta Russo, Public Information Officer at UNHCR Somalia, said: “We hope this marks the beginning of a new era of interaction and dialogue between the Kenyan and Somali communities, which have been living side by side for decades. “We have chosen the theme, ‘Now I Know’, as we want to give Kenyans a better understanding of the lives of Somalis and the events which have led to their arrival here in Kenya. It is important for effective integration that the Kenyan community understands why Somali migrants are here, how they feel about living in Kenya, and that they didn’t necessarily have a choice.” More than 3,000 people attended the event at Eastleigh High School in Nairobi on 16 April 2011. Contributing to the celebrations were leading Kenyan and Somali acts including Kenyan singer-songwriter Erick Wainaina, Kenyan genge artist Jua Kali, Somali singer Waayaha Cusub, Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi, and Somalilander poet Muhammad Ibrahim Warsame Hadraawi. Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil, said: “Dahabshiil is delighted to be involved with this event, the first of its kind in Kenya and one which we hope will encourage greater understanding and collaboration between the Kenyan and Somali communities. We will remain committed wherever possible to supporting such initiatives to promote the integration of migrant communities.” Speaking at the event was Daud Aweys, a BBC Somalia analyst, who discussed the issues facing Somalis in Kenya. He stressed the need for interchange and cooperation between the two communities and congratulated Dahabshiil and the organisers for making the occasion possible. Dahabshiil has a 40-year history of supporting Somali-speaking communities around the world and invests $1 million every year in community regeneration projects and charitable efforts across the 144 countries in which it operates. In East and Central Africa, Dahabshiil is one of the top private investors in hospitals and health centres - helping to develop infrastructure and provide financial support, equipment and medicines. In the Horn of Africa, Dahabshiil has made an important contribution to ongoing relief work, making donations and assisting the management and distribution of funds for humanitarian and development organisations that work with communities affected by conflict, drought and famine. Some 95% of international organisations operating in the region, including the UN, World Health Organisation, World Bank, Oxfam, Save the Children and Care International rely on Dahabshiil to transfer funds. Abdirashid Duale added: “Remittances are an essential lifeline for many communities across East Africa which depend on Dahabshiil to receive income from abroad and to facilitate much-needed private investment. The flow of remittances into the region has played a crucial role in the growth of the telecoms, transport and housing sectors, as well as in improving basic infrastructure, healthcare and education.” Founded in 1970 in Somaliland as a general trading enterprise, Dahabshiil has grown to become Africa’s largest money transfer operator. It has invested heavily in expanding its network of pay-out locations, as a result of which the inhabitants of some of the Horn of Africa’s most remote locations have regular access to funding from overseas. Despite its international success Dahabshiil has remained committed to a policy of low commissions, charging fees significantly lower than other international providers and enabling migrants to send funds regularly and cost-effectively, regardless of their whereabouts or the size of the sums transferred.

PARIS, April 11 (Xinhua) — Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam said Monday they were ready to talk but rumors of his father stepping down were “ridiculous.” It is time to inject “new blood” into the country’s leadership as Libyan leader Gaddafi is too old to control everything, but “the talk of (Gaddafi) leaving power, that’s truly ridiculous,” Gaddafi’s most prominent son, presumed to be Gaddafi’s successor, said in an interview with French TV network BFM on Monday night. “We are ready to discuss even with the devil, but even the devil should know that there are red lines,” Saif al-Islam said, referring to attempts to force Gaddafi to resign. Commenting on the foreign intervention in Libya, Saif al-Islam referred to France’s loss in the war, both economically and politically, and criticized Qatar’s plot arrangement and agreement with Libya’s opposition based in Benghazi. According to the African Union, its delegation arrived in Benghazi Monday for a ceasefire plan after Gaddafi accepted a road map for bringing an end to the political standoff and military clashes. But rebels have firmly demanded Gaddafi’s stepping down as a key premise. Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Monday that Gaddafi and members of his family should have no role in Libya’s future, rejecting the proposed road map. Frattini called on diplomats to increase pressure on Gaddafi in the coming days, and said Gaddafi’s removal from power should take place in “weeks, not months.” He also said Italy would oppose any proposal to partition Libya between the rebels in the east and Gaddafi loyalists in the west, calling such a development a “failure of the current international operation.”