Reconciliation Conference To Face Delay Tue. June 12, 2007 05:24 pm.- By Mohamed Abdi Farah. - Send this news article (SomaliNet) The chairman of the reconciliation conference in Somalia Ali Mahdi Mohamed Tuesday cast a doubt on the timing of the coming meeting which wass scheduled to take place on 14 June and face another delay. Speaking to the reporters in Mogadishu today, Mr. Mahdi said the national reconciliation meeting might be delayed for another few weeks because of technical problems. “I am afraid that the meeting would miss its deadline of 14 June which is now one day to go and what might bring the setback is for two main reasons; first gathering the envoys and second settling and arranging them,” said Mahdi adding that he is not worrying about the security side. If Mahdi’s remarks confirmed it would be the third time that the reconciliation conference got delayed. His comment came as the elders of the ****** clan which is dominant in Mogadishu indicated that they are not still being invited to the meeting and are unpleasant with the preparations of the assembly. Somalinet

Somalia's descent into chaos greatly saddened Osman who had devoted his life to securing his homeland's independence. He died in a Kenyan hospital at the age of 99. The current crisis in Somalia, which has seen some of the worst fighting since 1991, had deeply saddened him, his family said.

VOA By Alisha Ryu Mogadishu 11 June 2007 In a new sign of trouble for Somalia's transitional government, elders of the ****** clan, which dominates in the capital, are threatening to boycott a national reconciliation conference, scheduled to begin in five days. Meanwhile, the chairman of the reconciliation committee tells VOA there is a chance the peace talks may be delayed again for the third time. Correspondent Alisha Ryu reports from Mogadishu. A prominent ****** elder in Mogadishu, Haji Abdi Imam Omar, tells VOA that the clan is united in opposing the reconciliation conference, which he says is promising to be little more than a get-together of pro-government delegates. Haji Omar is the chairman of the newly-formed ****** Elders Congress, a political body established to unite fractious sub-clans and to function as the voice of the ****** people. The ****** leader says the interim government has failed to engage clan elders in any meaningful talks before the conference and has not responded to the list of demands they submitted to the reconciliation committee in early May. Haji Omar says that is why the ****** believe the June 16 talks will not be held in the interest of all of the Somali people. The participation of the ****** clan is crucial to the talks, not only because it is one of the largest clans in Somalia, but because the clan dominates in the capital, where the government is struggling to assert full control. A violent insurgency erupted in February, a month after the Ethiopian-backed interim government defeated Somalia's Islamist movement and took power in Mogadishu. Ensuing battles between insurgents and Ethiopian troops have killed nearly 2,000 people and have caused hundreds of thousands of others to flee the city. The insurgents are believed to be a mix of Islamist fighters and ****** militiamen. Both groups are angry over the government's close relationship with Ethiopia and the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia. Many ****** clan members also believe that President Abdullahi Yusuf's powerful rival clan, the *****, are using the presidential office to lay down the groundwork to weaken and marginalize the ******. They criticize ****** members in the interim government, such as Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi and the chairman of the national reconciliation committee, Ali Mahdi Mohamed, as doing little to protect ****** interests. Prime Minister Gedi vigorously denies accusations the government is being deliberately vague about the make-up and the agenda of the conference and hand-picking delegates. "Friends and brothers and sisters are not in place," he said. "This [conference] is based according to the transitional federal charter. The selection mandate has been given to the elders and traditional leaders of each and every clan. So, this is the way and nobody can change it, even myself, even the president, even the parliament. No." Western donor nations, particularly the European Union, have made financial support of the reconciliation conference conditional on the government's willingness to hold inclusive, transparent talks. On Sunday, committee chairman, Ali Mahdi Mohamed, told VOA that donors have only released a fraction of the money needed. He says this may cause the start of the conference to be delayed one to two weeks. The conference has been postponed twice, in April and in May, because of insecurity in the capital.

^^^^ What a time and what a man! And some around here have the audacity to compare Adan Abdalle Osman (may Allah forgive his sins) to the dhabodhilif and eternal coward Yey.

^^^ Waxba yuuna dhulku kuu dhaqdhaqaaqin saaxib. Not only do I not know who took over these towns, I don't even care. I support anyone who rejects this puppet regime and resists the occupation.

Horn, if true, does this news make you happy or sad? In other words, are you ready to uncork the Champagne or are you worried the Ethiopians will descend on the Lower Shabelle and commit another massacre a la Muqdisho to fend of these anti-TFG "militias"?

If I were a voting man, I would vote for Kucinich. No one else comes close. Hilary is a smart Bush (an abomination really) and Obama talks from both sides of his mouth. Not only are both parties similar but foreign and much of domestic policy will stay the same. There will still be a "war of terror". There will still be US troops stationed on many bases in just about every continent and there will still be brutal occupations of Iraq, Afghanistan and who knows what other country. The empire's beat goes on..

^^^^ I see that I hit a raw nerve. Which part bothered you the most, that Yey is a geriatric or that he's a pawn? I'll let your great mind discuss this idea and I'll stick to calling Yey what he really is: a washed up geriatric warlord turned Zenawi pawn.

Somaliland iyo Puntland oo iska Kaashanaya la dagaalanka Argagaxisada, Iyo Puntland oo ka hadhaysa Sool iyo Sanaag Bari Zenawi's plan has all its pieces falling into place. Some around here speak of Yey as a "master strategist" when Zenawi has proved to be the real master strategist. He's the only leader (within or without) that I can think of who has managed to play Somalia like a piano. Compared to Zenawi, Yey is a geriatric pawn.

^^^^ You like Dim Sum too? And that Yauatcha place at today's exchange rate would cost $75. :eek: Is that before or after taxes and tips? I love Dim Sum but not for $75. Unless it comes with a lap dance.

Meles came and ordered a shutdown of all radio stations that are not puppets to the government. With a near media blackout, he ordered his troops to descend on the city to arrest Muqdisho clan elders and take away all their weapons. This is neither a coincidence nor was it something planned by the puppet regime of Yey. The first time Yey and Geedi probably heard of the whole op was when Meles flew into Muqdisho. Why you insist this is a TFG operation when every news outlet (worth its name) is reporting otherwise is beyond me.

^^^^ Maybe he grew up in Canada or the US. Hopefully he reads and writes another language.

Turkey denies Web site claim of N.Iraq invasion Wed Jun 6, 2007 3:27PM BST ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's Foreign Ministry and military General Staff on Wednesday denied a Web site report that 50,000 Turkish troops had crossed into northern Iraq to crush Kurdish rebels hiding there. "This report is not true," a Foreign Ministry source told Reuters. A General Staff official described the report as "disinformation". The report, carried on the DEBKAfile Web site, sparked jitters among foreign investors who fear Turkish military action in northern Iraq could harm Turkey's booming economy and relations with the United States. Source

Turkish officials: troops enter Iraq By SELCAN HACAOGLU Associated Press Writer © 2007 The Associated Press ANKARA, Turkey — Several thousand Turkish troops crossed into northern Iraq early Wednesday to chase Kurdish guerrillas who operate from bases there, Turkish security officials told The Associated Press. Two senior security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said the raid was limited in scope and that it did not constitute the kind of large incursion that Turkish leaders have been discussing in recent weeks. "It is not a major offensive and the number of troops is not in the tens of thousands," one of the officials told the AP by telephone. The official is based in southeast Turkey, where the military has been battling separatist Kurdish rebels since they took up arms in 1984. The U.S. military said it could not confirm the reports but was "very concerned." The last major Turkish incursion into northern Iraq was in 1997, when about 50,000 troops were sent to the region. The officials did not say where the Turkish force was operating in northern Iraq, nor did he say how long they would be there. Both officials are involved in anti-rebel operations, though they did not disclose whether they participated in the planning of the operation on Wednesday. The officials said any confrontation with Iraqi Kurdish groups, who have warned against a Turkish incursion, could trigger a larger cross-border operation. The Turkish military has asked the government in Ankara to approve such an incursion, but the government has not given formal approval. An official at military headquarters in Ankara declined to confirm or deny the report that Turkish troops had entered Iraq. Turkish troops have staged so-called "hot pursuits" into northern Iraq in the past, usually after citing reports of attacks against Turkish soldiers in the border region. They have sometimes shelled suspected rebel positions across the border. Turkish authorities rarely acknowledge such military operations, which were more frequent before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Turkish military said rebels across the border in Iraq opened fire Wednesday on a Turkish military outpost in the province of Hakkari, which borders both Iraq and Iran. It said there were no casualties. Turkey has been building up its military forces on the Iraqi border recently, amid debate among political and military leaders about whether to attack separatist rebels of the PKK, or Kurdistan Workers' Party. The rebels stage raids in southeast Turkey after crossing over from hideouts in Iraq. "We can't confirm a thing at this time, but we are looking into it and obviously we are very concerned," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a military spokesman in Baghdad. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said the government has not seen any major operations along the border. "There has been intermittent shelling, for instance, attacks, certain violations, minor violations on the border which we have documented and reported back to the Turkish side, but honestly we haven't seen any major operations along the border," Zebari told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "We are aware of this Turkish troops buildup on the border and the Iraqi government position has been that we will not accept or tolerate any military incursion into Iraqi territories," he said. "We have urged all sides, including the Kurdish leadership, to ease tension and to seek dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues because we believe any military incursion into the northern provinces would only lead to further escalations and instability and this is in nobody's interests, not in Iraq's, nor the United States, nor Turkey," he added. "We are in contact with the Turkish officials and we have friendly, good relations with the Turkish government." George Bagus, an adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also said his office had no knowledge about such an operation and declined to comment further. During major incursions in the 1990s, fighting occurred on a front stretching more than 100 miles, mostly in rugged terrain where communications were difficult and the Turkish Kurds were already entrenched in the mountains. Source

"Rantings" but would still be taken into consideration? Ok.

Originally posted by The Duke: 3. The TFG mishandled the evacuation of the city, they should have been clearer about their intentions with the public; though they tried it was not effective. That's putting it mildly. It was a catastrophe in fact. 4. The TFG information outlets are still weak, thus giving the hearsay merchants far too much room to spread anti government propaganda. Is it not high time to hire qualified individuals from outside the circle of cousins, in laws, former cell mates and best friends? 5. The training and recruitment of officers across the country has not been effective and the episode in Kismayu has shown that more training is needed and more mixing of the forces rather than clan blocks within the army should be goal. Why do you suppose that is? Why are young men not flocking to sign up to defend their cities and country and earn money to feed their families? Perhaps the recruitments ills have intrinsic issues needing resolution. 6. The incompetence within the TFG is something that I can not ignore nor would deny, for example the removal of Buuba from the foreign Ministry position while he was one of the most effective, loyal individuals within the cabinet was a grave mistake. The lack of transparency and accountability with regards to funds are more than mistakes. Now you're talking. So what to do about the incompetence, nepotism and appalling lack of transparency? If the qualified are fired and more dimwits are hired, why blame the average Somali for his or her lack of support?

Originally posted by BN: I'm sure you can find a more mature way to express yourself then this.... I'm certain I could. Edit: Upon further thought, I see how this statement may be construed as offensive. It's lack of maturity aside, there are implicit references being made that I wish to take back.

Meles is there to make sure his b!tch Geedi is alright. Apparently, Geedi spent all of Monday crying on the phone with Zenawi. During the conversation Geedi emphasized if Zenawi did not come in person and gave him a hug, he would find another sugar daddy (may be Afwerki).

^^^^ I'll go first. Somalia's past is tragic and its future, scary. But its present is both tragic and scary. The level of distrust and tuhun we have for each other has reached unprecedented levels. The fact remains, however, we are all under occupation and the TFG is the wrong path to our salvation. There. We can all agree on that.

^^^ Frankly, I would rather save my outrage and indignation for the coward collaborator in this photo:

Originally posted by Nayruus: Which damage on Somali people is lighter? An occupier or a raper? I already know. Won't you tell me which one is worse? Yes, the gang is capable to sell the Somali children to the abusers to reach their aim of getting recognition. And two gay journalists hold the magic key to recognition? Have you lost your marbles, son?

Originally posted by Sophist: Castro; I cant help but think you are speaking about your ilk Repeat after me: 1) I'm smart, educated and people like me. 2) Atheero is good. He's the hero of our age. 3) Ethiopia did not invade Somalia. 4) Ethiopia does not currently occupy Somalia. 5) The TFG is the only road to salvation. 6) The US calls and gets permission from Atheero before any wanton bombings of Somalia. 7) Secessionist cowards have nothing on my majestic Puntland, uhm.. I mean Somalia. 8) Strange looking "terrorists" are trying to kill atheero and members of my holy clan. Even in remote places like Dhahar and Baargaal. 9) Atheero is good. He's the hero of our age. 10) I'm smart, educated and people like me. When you wake up in the morning, stand in front of a mirror and repeat these lines three times then once after lunch and again before you go to bed. In no time, you too will be freed from mental bondage.

^^^ The greatest threat we face is not from two homos or even pedophiles. To headline such a pathetic line and use it to score a lame political point is what induced the vomit. Imagine the level of abuse and destruction a couple of homo journalists with perhaps unlimited pink dollars can cause to the boys of a third world country….. I don't have to imagine. It happens every day in third (and non third) world countries. There's nothing stopping these "pinko-fags" from doing the same thing in the rest of Somalia or even Ethiopia. Unless, of course, you're insinuating Somalilanders would sell their children for sex just to get recognition.

Originally posted by Jacaylbaro: I'm reporting from Addis sxb ,,,,,,,,,,, it was happening in Addis airport. I worry that when you finally see the light one day, you'd go crazy and run around Dooxa Hargeisa donning a massive beard, being chased by kids.

Originally posted by NGONGE: The US navy is probably turning a blind eye to these happenings. It's not under their jurisdiction and not part of their mission. I don't see what's the big conspiracy is all about here. Calm down. The whole world is under US jurisdiction. And would it really turn a blind eye if weapons were heading to "Islamic militiants"? Something is fishy here but there's not much of a conspiracy, I agree. The piracy here may simply be a feud between the nations who have feasted on the riches of Somali waters for decades.