Somaliland denies seeking terrorists' support in border row with Puntland

10/03/2007 BBC MONITORING INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

Excerpt from report by pro-Islamist Somali website Halgan.net on 3 October

Somaliland Defence Minister Abdullahi Ali Ibrahim has denied remarks made by Puntland officials.

Puntland claimed that terrorists, especially from Al-Shabab group [youth wing of the ousted Union of Islamic Courts] supported Somaliland in its fighting against Puntland [in Laas Caanood, in the disputed region of Sool].

The minister wondered as to why Somaliland would seek support from others.

The conflict between the two sides erupted four years ago.

Abdullahi Ali Ibrahim said his troops would remain in Laas Caanood, the provincial town of Sool Region.

He said Somaliland forces had taken Puntland prisoners of war, including senior officers. [Passage omitted]

Source: Halgan.net website, in Somali 3 Oct 07

Source: BBC Monitoring