Hawiye Opposition Group Rejects Peace Talks in Asmara

Mogadishu, 1 September 2007 - The opposition group of Hawiye tradition and unity committee categorically rejected to participate in the Asmara conference. In these conference participants who are expected to participate are the Somalis in the Diaspora, the Islamic courts and the members who defected from the parliament and called themselves the freedom parliament.

The spokesman for the Hawiya opposition wing, Mr. Ahmed Diriye said that it is not possible for them to attend at that conference which is due to take place on 6th of this month. He said that they were invited and promised special flights to Asmara.

When he was making clear to the point of his objection, he said that this conference is mobilized by people with special interest and has no relationship with Hawiya tradition and unity clans.

The spokesman said this speech in a joint press conference with Imam Mahmud, Mohammed Hassan Haad and Ahmed Diriye at Ramadan Hotel in Mogadishu.