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Somali speaker to meet Islamists Somali speaker to meet Islamists
(2 days later)
The speaker of Somalia's transitional parliament says he intends to go to the capital, Mogadishu, to try to negotiate a peace deal with the Islamists there.The speaker of Somalia's transitional parliament says he intends to go to the capital, Mogadishu, to try to negotiate a peace deal with the Islamists there.
Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan would become the first senior figure from the fragile government to go to Mogadishu since it was captured by the Islamists.Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan would become the first senior figure from the fragile government to go to Mogadishu since it was captured by the Islamists.
The move follows the collapse of peace talks in Sudan earlier this week.The move follows the collapse of peace talks in Sudan earlier this week.
Eyewitness reports from Somalia suggest both sides have been preparing for war and digging trenches.Eyewitness reports from Somalia suggest both sides have been preparing for war and digging trenches.
Correspondents say it is unclear whether the peace initiative is supported by President Abdullahi Yusuf, who is a political rival of the parliamentary speaker.Correspondents say it is unclear whether the peace initiative is supported by President Abdullahi Yusuf, who is a political rival of the parliamentary speaker.
War fearsWar fears
"I intend to lead a parliamentary delegation to Mogadishu to meet the [Islamist] leadership and seek their cooperation to avoid war and bloodshed," Mr Adan said."I intend to lead a parliamentary delegation to Mogadishu to meet the [Islamist] leadership and seek their cooperation to avoid war and bloodshed," Mr Adan said.
He said he may travel on Sunday.He said he may travel on Sunday.
The government is based in Baidoa, 250km (150 miles) north-west of Mogadishu but the two sides' forces are reported to be just 30km apart.The government is based in Baidoa, 250km (150 miles) north-west of Mogadishu but the two sides' forces are reported to be just 30km apart.
Observers now fear a conflict which could engulf the entire region.Observers now fear a conflict which could engulf the entire region.
Ethiopia backs the government while its rival Eritrea has been accused of arming the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC).Ethiopia backs the government while its rival Eritrea has been accused of arming the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC).
Both countries deny reports they have troops in Somalia.Both countries deny reports they have troops in Somalia.
But Ethiopia admits having hundreds of military trainers with the government.But Ethiopia admits having hundreds of military trainers with the government.
The UIC has rapidly taken control of most of southern Somalia since seizing the capital in June.The UIC has rapidly taken control of most of southern Somalia since seizing the capital in June.
Somalia has been in the grip of warlords and militias for years and has not had a functioning national government since 1991.Somalia has been in the grip of warlords and militias for years and has not had a functioning national government since 1991.