MOGADISHU, Nov 9, 2006 - Somalia's powerful Islamist movement on Thursday rejected a new passport launched by the country's interim government to replace an old one that was easily forged.

Somalia's old passport is disregarded by immigration authorities in most parts of the world and the new one unveiled on Wednesday contains a computer chip which will ensure the data contained cannot be duplicated or changed.

"We don't recognize it and it will not be a valid travel document," said Sheikh Abdirihin Mudey, chief information officer for the Union of Islamic Courts which control two of the major airports including Mogadishu's international airport.

"They should have waited until the reconciliation process is complete. ... We will use the old one until we get a government that controls the whole country," Mudey added.

He warned Somalis against using the new passport at the country's major airport.

The rise of the Islamists, who now control much of the south after seizing the capital from U.S.-backed warlords in June, threatens the government's attempts to reimpose central rule on a country in chaos since the 1991 ouster of dictator Siad Barre.

Since June, the Islamists have gained control of important ports and airfields while the interim government is confined to the provincial town of Baidoa.

Source: Reuters

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