Faarax-Brawn Posted April 10, 2007 Islamists have no plan to return to power, says ex-minister Story by SALIM LONE IN LEICESTER, UK, Monday Publication Date: 4/10/2007 The leadership of the Islamic Courts Union is intact, and a number of them are still in Somalia battling Ethiopian occupation forces. But “we are not fighting in order to put ourselves back in power,” said Prof Ibrahim Addou, its former Foreign Affairs Minister, who was also its Chief Negotiator. “Our goal is a broad-based government in which all contending forces committed to peace will be included.” Prof Addou also turned down the notion, as advanced at the weekend in Baidoa by US Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer, that a permanent ceasefire could be established “as quickly as possible” through political dialogue in Somalia. He said: “We welcome the call for dialogue, which was, and continues to be, the Courts approach, but it will need to be held outside Somalia, where all participants can negotiate without fear. It would also need to be conducted under the auspices of a neutral body, or a group of impartial nations, outside Somalia” he asserted. In an interview at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, where a high-level three-day Somali diaspora conference concluded yesterday, the professor said that the invasion and war waged by Ethiopia and the United States had radically altered the political dynamic in his country. “Thanks be to God, the Islamic Courts’ position is even better now than it was before, and the role our fighters are playing in the resistance will make it even more so in the future.” Nevertheless, Prof Addou continued, the Islamic Courts would not seek to form the next sovereign government but would vie for its share of power within an inclusive, national coalition. And while the TFG had caused immense harm and suffering to Somalis, its members would not be automatically excluded. “All decisions will be taken on a case by case basis, the goal being national inclusiveness.” On the national dialogue that Ms Frazer was talking about, Prof Addou said it could only take place if it was “preceded by a clear and fixed timetable of withdrawal of Ethiopian forces.” But in the meantime, “as we have seen at this Leicester conference, all Somalis have put aside their differences to wage a common, national front to regain our sovereignty.” The principal task now facing Somalis is the eviction of the Ethiopian armed forces, and the massacres of hundreds of innocents in recent weeks have made all other issues secondary to this terrible reality of occupation.” But the former minister also felt that there was widespread recognition that the TFG was completely incapable of managing Somalia even with the huge Ethiopian presence, as reflected in the Ethiopians’ conducting direct negotiations with Somali clans and groups. This recognition might convince the Ethiopians to see the enormity of their folly, he said. Prof Addou acknowledged the Islamic Courts made some mistakes, “but they were minor.” More troubling were the actions of some hot-headed ICU members not approved by the leadership. The media exaggerated the actions, but it is true some cinemas were closed, property was burned and football matches disrupted. The banning of chat should have been a gradual, carefully organised process accompanied by education about its impact.” On the ICU’s link with terrorism, Prof Addou said that not a single terrorist act had occurred under their rule, and that ICU was completely opposed to terror. The Leicester “Somalia Diaspora Conference” attracted some of Somalia’s senior-most politicians from a very wide spectrum of organisations. Former Prime Ministers Ali Khalif Galayr and Mohammed Abdi Yusuf, from the Transitional National Government of the 2000-2004 period were there, as were numerous ministers from that period, as well as Baidoa parliamentarians who resigned in the last year. There were over 250 groups and activists from various the US, Canada and numerous European, African and Middles East countries. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faarax-Brawn Posted April 10, 2007 “as we have seen at this Leicester conference, all Somalis have put aside their differences to wage a common, national front to regain our sovereignty.” The principal task now facing Somalis is the eviction of the Ethiopian armed forces, and the massacres of hundreds of innocents in recent weeks have made all other issues secondary to this terrible reality of occupation.” But the former minister also felt that there was widespread recognition that the TFG was completely incapable of managing Somalia even with the huge Ethiopian presence, as reflected in the Ethiopians’ conducting direct negotiations with Somali clans and groups Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fabregas Posted April 10, 2007 No doubt some will say this meeting was sponsored by Indhacade or Abiqasim, wise words by the Sheikh! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacaylbaro Posted April 11, 2007 “Our goal is a broad-based government in which all contending forces committed to peace will be included.” Hmmmmmmmmm,,very interesting ,,,, So means another government is on the way ,,, what a surprise Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A.J. Timacadeh Posted April 11, 2007 I cant see the Courts ever sitting down to discuss peace with the traitors of the people inthe south that is the TFG. Another government another dog calling himself president and naming half of his sub-clan as the cabinet. whats gonna change? nothing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yaabka-Yaabkiis Posted April 11, 2007 who is indha-cade and c/qasim? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Che -Guevara Posted April 11, 2007 ^^^^Were you in cage with Osama? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faarax-Brawn Posted April 11, 2007 Originally posted by Che-Guevara: ^^^^Were you in cage with Osama? LooooooL. What a fitting name,Yaab Yaabkiis indeed. Laakin,Give him credit,for anyone who genuinly blacks out Warlords & fake leaders deserves a clap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alle-ubaahne Posted April 11, 2007 Originally posted by Che-Guevara: ^^^^Were you in cage with Osama? Alla maxaa usaama danbi laga galay! Saaxiib walba maad buush wax ka sheegtid intaad muslimka ku dhibco-badsaneysid? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bambo Posted April 11, 2007 Somalia does not have time for another reconciliation meeting outside Somalia, The last one took 2 years and the outcome is being opposed - what makes you think another TFG will be accepted. Adow is well eduacated men , therefore for sake of Somalinimo and civilians he should Waite till the TFG mandate is done and start his own party and show up for election ., After all Icu was formed to bring peace and stability . Forming administration by punch of wann be’s politicians that where left out in TFG process or looking for position are not going to bring Somalia peace and stability. They should not jeopardize the chance Somalia has today . . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Xalane Posted April 11, 2007 They were what they were coz of their military wing and today,they are no more.They do not exist,they have been liquidated.If all talk gives them muscles,by all means,let them entertain us. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baashi Posted April 11, 2007 There you have it. Prof. Addow is a sensible guy. His ideas are worth considering. This man is a principled man. He doesn't wobble. He seems to understand that dialogue is the best way forward. Details can always be ironed out later but almuhim is to understand the wisdom of making a deal without compromising your core principles... Ciiloow wayee yaa mar waxa miis isugu keena oo fahamsiiya in raggu dirriro oo deeto heshiiyo. Dagaal aan dhamaan sow ma aha kan halkaa inna dhigay. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites