Salehi: Somali people can run own affairs without foreign meddling

Tehran, Dec 28, IRNA – Iran's Foreign Ministry Caretaker Ali-Akbar Salehi said here on Monday that Somali people can solve their problems
without others' interference.

"I am confident that people of Somalia can resolve their internal problems without foreign interference," Salehi told the visiting Somali Parliament Speaker, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan.

Welcoming the formation of the new government in Somalia, Salehi said, "We consider Somalia as a major part of the world of Islam and our country officials stress solidarity, cooperation and collaboration with Somalia. We reject extremism and violence under the guise of religion. Unfortunately all these moves and measures taken in the name of Islam under various pretexts are masterminded by the West."

Salehi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is in service of Somali government and people. "We are ready to cooperate with your country restore peace and stability through the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). We are also ready to host the next IGAD meeting in Tehran."

The Somali speaker, for his part, said he is happy with warm relations between his country and Iran. "Unfortunately, Somalia's problems, i.e. civil war coupled with foreign intervention and support of extremist groups, has created tough conditions.

"We like to stand on our own feet. We also thank Iran for its humanitarian support in education field. We are also happy with Iran being a powerful Muslim country in the region."/end