Puntland President Attacks Eritrea-Based Dissidents

Bosaso, June 21, 2007 – The president of the regional authority of Puntland, Gen Adde Muse, has said the Asmara dissidents were undermining his administration.

Speaking to reporters in Boosaaso, he accused what he termed as Free Parliamentarians and members of [ousted] Union of Islamic Courts, who are stationed in Asmara, of seeking to destroy Puntland authorities. He, however, vowed to face them.

He said the Asmara group was behind the attacks on Puntland from Sool and Sanaag region [border with Somaliland] and Baargaal area, saying that terrorist groups linked to those in Asmara carried out the attacks.

While speaking about the current vote of no confidence on the chairman of Boosaaso local authorities, he said he was ousted after receiving a bribe along with five other members of the local council from the Asmara group, adding that they were bribed to cause havoc in Puntland.

The president's statement came at a time when security situation in Puntland is deteriorating.

Source: BBC Monitoring/Radio Shabeelle

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