Peace Talks in Djibouti Hit Deadlock

Djibouti, 7 June 2008 - Somali peace talks sponsored by the United Nations have hit a deadlock after both the government and its opposition refused to sign a document, sources said.

On Saturday, UN mediators completed a seminar on peace, reconciliation and justice for delegates representing the Somali government and an opposition group known as the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS).

A document detailing the seminar's discussion topics was presented to the delegates for signature, but both groups refused to sign, an independent journalist in Djibouti City told Garowe Online.

ARS delegates demanded the inclusion of a clause naming a specific timetable for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.

However, the government's delegates argued that the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops must be preceded by a "calmer situation" on the ground in Somalia, so UN peacekeepers can be deployed, according to our source.

Mr. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN's Special Envoy to Somalia and the talks' key mediator, has been busy shuttling between the government and opposition delegations to try and reach common ground.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports emerging from Djibouti indicate that Ethiopia's top general in Somalia, Gen. Gabre, was seen at the Djibouti City hotel where Somali government and opposition delegates are staying.

Source: Garowe Online