Yemen mediates in Somalia crisis

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-15-2006 08:46

Yemen is trying to help bring an end to fighting between Somalia's interim government and the Islamic courts militia.

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh held talks with Somalia's Islamist leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, in Sanaa on Wednesday in an attempt to broker a breakthrough in the crisis.

Following the talks, Yemen's Foreign Minister, Abu Baker Al Kirbi, said the visit to Yemen by the leader of the Islamic Council Courts Union is part of Yemen's efforts to narrow the gap between the Somali interim government and the Islamic courts.

Abu Baker Al Kirbi said,"The security, stability and unity of Somalia is important to Yemen and therefore, we are making every effort with our brothers to convince them to continue dialogue with the interim government."

The Islamic Council Courts Union is the most powerful military force in Somalia, and it has challenged the authority of the interim administration.

Since June it has taken control of the country's main city Mogadishu and most of the rest of the country, leaving the interim government holding just a tiny section of the nation's territory.

It is believed that the Islamists will remain in Yemen for more talks over the next few days.